Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Black
There's a new flag waving in the breeze, a symbol of freedom, pride, and resilience—the Juneteenth flag. It's a red, white, and blue banner, with a lone star in the center, representing the state of Texas, where the holiday originated.
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers finally reached Galveston, Texas, and announced that the enslaved people there were free. Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed two years earlier, word had not yet reached the most remote parts of the Confederacy.
For generations, Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black communities across the country with barbecues, parades, and other festivities. But it wasn't until recently that the holiday gained wider recognition. In 2021, President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
The Juneteenth flag is a powerful symbol of the progress that has been made, and the work that still needs to be done. It's a reminder that freedom is not something to be taken for granted, and that we must never stop fighting for justice and equality.
In a time when racial tensions are high, the Juneteenth flag serves as a beacon of hope and unity. It's a reminder that we are all in this together, and that we must work together to create a better future for all.
As we celebrate Juneteenth this year, let us all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that were made to secure our freedom. Let us also recommit ourselves to the fight for justice and equality.
The Juneteenth flag is more than just a symbol. It's a call to action.
Let's answer that call.