Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, carries a profound weight, particularly in Houston, a city with a rich Black history and vibrant Juneteenth traditions. But beyond the barbecues, parades, and community gatherings lies a powerful symbol – the Juneteenth flag. This vibrant tri-colored banner isn’t just decorative; it represents freedom, struggle, and resilience.
“There are national conversations now,” said Dr. Tara Green, chair of the Department of African American Studies at the University of Houston. “Children can learn about Juneteenth and that we don’t have to become adults and learn about it sort of serendipitously,” she continued, referencing the recent progress in Juneteenth education.
“But that there’s an effort for people to know. So, it becomes national knowledge. And also that there are more books and more attention given to it.”
Texas was the first state to declare Juneteenth a state holiday in 1979; other states soon followed. The countrywide Black Lives Matter rallies following the 2020 deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery gave new life to the years-long drive to have Juneteenth recognized as a national holiday. On June 15, 2021, a long-awaited bill unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate, then signed into law two days later by President Joe Biden, made Juneteenth the eleventh American federal holiday.
Who Created the Flag?
The National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation’s founder, activist Ben Haith, collaborated with illustrator Lisa Jeanna Graf to create the Juneteenth flag in 1997. Although Juneteenth became a federal holiday only recently, the Norwich, CT resident, along with other Black members in the Boston area, knew about its history for decades. In an interview with the Norwich Bulletin, he said the holiday is much larger than him. The flag is about humanity.
“I also want to restore peace to African Americans,” said Haith. “I grew up when we didn’t have the kinds of behavior we’re experiencing now. We’re a people that use to love and care for each other. Just enough of us have lost our way where we have to do something about it.”
He has dedicated his life to promoting Juneteenth’s acknowledgment and commemoration throughout the country. Haith organized public protests, educational initiatives, and activities to draw attention to its significance. Additionally, he worked with legislators and decision-makers to promote the official recognition of the occasion.
Every component of the flag has a significant symbolic meaning that connects to the history and goals of African Americans. As per the National Juneteenth Observation Foundation, the flag underwent revisions in 2000 to become the current version.
What do the symbols mean?
The Burst : As the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation describes, the burst surrounding the star is a symbol imbued with astronomical meaning. A nova, a newly formed star, signifies a new beginning for Black Americans.
The Star : The white star at the flag’s center has two distinct meanings.
It symbolizes Texas, the Lone Star State. In 1865, Union soldiers in Galveston told the country’s final enslaved individuals they were free under the terms of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two years previously.
The Colors : The colors – red, white, and blue – mirror the American flag, which became an intentional choice. The colors are a statement of belonging, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are Americans.
The Arc : The final element is the arc that stretches across the bottom of the flag. “The curve that extends across the width of the flag represents a new horizon,” says the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation.
“I feel like the biggest opportunity for Black America is to take ownership in all things Juneteenth,” said renowned artist Reginald Adams. He spent around 30 years living in Houston. He only knew about the true history of Juneteenth when a Galveston nonprofit, the Juneteenth Legacy Project, commissioned him to create a mural in dedication to the holiday.
By compiling historical information, consulting vintage photos, and speaking with academics and local authorities, Adams thoroughly researched Juneteenth. The “Absolute Equality” mural, which has gained national recognition, paved the way for Adams to emerge as a prominent figure in the United States, tasked with narrating the Juneteenth story through public art.
“We’re good at celebrating, coming together, and having a great time. We fall short on the commercial side of owning and curating the events paraphernalia. We must own the entire narrative like the creator did with the flag.”
