AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has launched a petition urging Apple to introduce emojis that represent the Texas flag, the Alamo, and the state’s outline.
Buckingham’s petition highlights the absence of Texas-specific symbols in the current emoji set and calls for digital options that allow Texans to express their state pride. The proposal names three key symbols: the Lone Star flag, a depiction of the Alamo, and the recognizable shape of Texas.
The petition, available online, asks Apple to include these emojis in its global emoji keyboard. Buckingham promoted the campaign through social media, encouraging Texans to sign and share the petition. She emphasized that the symbols hold cultural and historical meaning for many residents.
Supporters have shared the petition across various platforms, calling for broader representation in digital communication. Many users expressed support for the proposed emojis and welcomed the opportunity to use state-specific symbols in texts and social media posts.
Apple has not issued a public response to the petition. The process of adding new emojis typically requires a proposal to the Unicode Consortium, which evaluates and approves emoji submissions.
Texans frequently display the state flag at events and in public spaces. The Alamo, a historic landmark in San Antonio, serves as a symbol of the state’s fight for independence. The state’s distinctive outline also appears on clothing, merchandise, and signage throughout Texas.
Buckingham framed the effort as a way to bring Texans together through shared symbols and digital expression. She said the proposed emojis would allow users to reflect their state pride in everyday messaging.
While the timeline for emoji approval remains uncertain, Buckingham said she hopes Apple and Unicode officials will recognize the importance of state-specific representation. She encouraged Texans to add their voices to the growing call for inclusion.
