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The History of Juneteenth
January 1, 1863 also known as “Freedom’s Eve” the first Watch Night services took place. That night, free and enslaved African Americans gathered together in anticipation of the news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect.
Designed by Lisa Jeanne Graf in 1997, every element of the flag signifies an important part of the holiday. Instead of a straight line dividing the red and blue colors of the flag, they are separated by an arc. This shape is meant to resemble a horizon, symbolizing a hopeful future.
The smaller, white star in the middle is a nod to the Lone Star State, Texas. The state where the last enslaved people were emancipated. The starburst surrounding it is meant to be a new star, symbolizing new beginnings. By mirroring the red-white-and-blue colors found in the U.S. flag, the banner emphasizes that those enslaved were Americans and so are their descendants.
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