LAFC launched an initiative to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the United States, with a Change.org petition that has a goal of reaching 100,000 signatures.
Fellow MLS clubs FC Cincinnati, D.C. United, Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls all lent their support to the campaign.
Juneteenth is known as the anniversary of the official end of slavery, celebrated every year on June 19 — the date Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army informed slaves after landing in Galveston, Texas that the Civil War had ended and slavery had been abolished.
The holiday is currently recognized in 47 of the 50 US states, with the club encouraging fans to sign the petition to have the date established as a federal holiday.
"The launch of the Juneteenth petitions is the first of many upcoming initiatives LAFC is pledging to take on in its commitment to foster change," LAFC said in a June 16 release. "The Club stands firmly in solidarity with the Black Community against all acts of racism, hatred and prejudice. LAFC will continue to support, promote equality and use their collective voice against all social injustice."
