Happy Juneteenth!
Black History is American History
Happy Juneteenth!
While this holiday is relatively recent in its inclusion among America's officially observed holidays, there are some important details that often get left out of the celebration.
Juneteenth has its own flag, and every part of it tells a story.
The red, white, and blue reflect the colors of the American flag, signifying that formerly enslaved people and their descendants are Americans. The red also represents the blood shed by enslaved people and freedom fighters in the struggle for liberation.
The large star at the center represents Texas, the Lone Star State, where the news of freedom was finally enforced. It also symbolizes the extension of freedom to African Americans across all 50 states.
The white burst surrounding the star represents a nova—a new beginning and a fresh start for Black Americans.
The arc dividing the flag represents a new horizon and the promise of greater opportunities ahead.
Today, I reflect on this history and try to imagine what it looked like and felt like when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation.
Much like the simplified stories many of us were taught about Thanksgiving, we are often told that enslaved people in Texas remained enslaved for two additional years because of a clerical error or because Texas was simply too far away for the news to travel.
What should be remembered is that many enslavers deliberately refused to give up their source of free labor. They ignored the law until the United States Army arrived to enforce it.
If you're familiar with American history, you know this pattern is not unique. Again and again, the rights, freedoms, and citizenship of African Americans have required enforcement in the face of resistance.
As I see more Juneteenth celebrations taking place locally and nationally, I can't help but notice that the Juneteenth flag—and even its red, white, and blue colors—are often absent from the festivities. In my opinion, that's intentional. The colors force us to confront a complicated truth: Black history is American history. On July 4, 1776 not all Americans were free, so once again, Happy Juneteenth , the real Independence Day.