Philadelphians call on Congress to make new federal holiday honoring Harriet Tubman

Flashback: Cook has collected more than 9,750 signatures and spoken to local members of Congress about the effort over the past year.

• Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Democratic from Philadelphia who has communicated with Cook and others, put forward a proposal in the U.S. House last week to create a federal holiday in honor of Tubman.

What they're saying: "Our federal holidays must be a mirror of the American experience while at the same time reflecting our country's history and diversity," Boyle said in a statement.

Cook told Axios that Tubman is "one of those familiar people in history who didn't get their due when they were here."

• She said the holiday would help the nation reckon with its history of slavery.
• "We don't need another parade. We don't need another party. What we need is substantial change," she said.

What's next: Cook is calling for photos of letters sent to Congress on the matter.

• She hopes to make a photo book next year.