Today is “Juneteenth," the oldest known celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States. It was in Texas on June 19, 1865 -- more than 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation -- that the last remaining slaves in America learned of their freedom.

Many Americans had never heard of this celebratory day until somewhat recently, but celebrating it as a federal holiday would ensure more of America's history is taught while honoring America's commitment to liberty, equality, and justice.

Today we wanted to highlight Opal Lee, a 93-year-old Texan woman who has spent years raising awareness of Juneteenth and urging its inclusion as a federal holiday. She told the New York Times she is "so happy to see things coming to fruition and the fact that we are almost there making it a holiday" that she could do a "holy dance." Learn more about Opal Lee here.