On this page you will find a brief summary of the history of the flag and the symbolism behind the design. We have also created a drop-down sub-page where you will find downloadable content for children and adults alike! These downloadable are perfect for celebrating Juneteenth with your community, classroom, and family. Enjoy!
According to journalist, Sheena Foster, of Reader's Digest:
Although the Juneteenth flag didn’t arrive until 132 years after Black Americans gained their freedom, it reflects, for them, many of the same qualities the U.S. flag reflects for all Americans. It’s a celebration of Black patriots and Black patriotism past and present. It’s not nearly as instantly recognizable as the American flag, but the Juneteenth flag is gaining increasing significance, not just for Black Americans but for all Americans.
CNN writer, Harmeet Kaur, states in her article:
The flag is the brainchild of activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF). Haith created the flag in 1997 with the help of collaborators, and Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf brought their vision to life.
The flag was revised in 2000 into the version we know today, according to the National Juneteenth Observation Foundation. Seven years later, the date “June 19, 1865” was added, commemorating the day that Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told enslaved African Americans of their emancipation.
In 2020, the flag gain recognition as more and more state capitals began flying it over their state capital buildings. The flag and Juneteenth were solidified in 2021, when former President Joe Biden established Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Now every year, on June 19th, we celebrate by getting together with family and our community and flying the flag for all to see!
This symbol is made up of two parts. The white, 5-pointed star in the middle of the flag represents Texas. Specifically, Galveston, Texas and the role the city played in the creation of the holiday. It represents the freedom of all African Americans in all 50 states of the United States of America.
Surrounding the star is a nova-star, which has 12 points. Also known as the "burst", it represents 'new beginnings' for all freed African Americans in the U.S. Much like the birth of star in the sky.
The arc stretches across the entire design of the flag and represents a 'horizon'. Specifically, the idea of "new horizons" and looking forward to the future and all it holds for African Americans.
Red, White, and Blue are the dominant colors of the flag. Although their placement is quite different in comparison to the U.S. flag. For the Juneteenth flag, the shared color pallet with the U.S. flag reminds us that African Americans are citizens of the United States and that on June 19, 1865, all African Americans became American citizens, by law.
These colors also represent the continued fight for America to meet the needs of their citizens, specifically the African American community.
Ben Haith is a social worker and activist based in Boston, Massachusetts, he created the design for the Juneteenth flag, along with illustrator Lisa Jeanne-Graf. Haith created the flag in 1997 and met with Jeanne-Graf in 2009, where they teamed up to make the flag and bring it to the public. Haith is also responsible for founding the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation in Boston.
