In honor of the federal holiday celebrated by many, explore the history that contributes to the festivities we see today.

Every year on June 19, the United States and parts of northern Mexico observe a federal holiday: Juneteenth. Officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, the holiday is the longest-running African-American holiday in the U.S.
When President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it set a majority of enslaved people free. However, it took two and a half years for the news to reach Texas, which allowed slavery to continue until Major General Gordon Granger delivered the news of emancipation to those in the Lone Star state on June 19, 1865.
Originating in Galveston, Texas, 250,000 slaves were declared free by the U.S. Army. Ever since then, Juneteenth, a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth," has become more than just a celebration; it is a day to reclaim one's identity amid ongoing hardships.
In honor of the historic moment and this year's festivities, explore the history behind the holiday, the origins of the flag, and the traditions, celebrations, and fashion that have followed suit with L'OFFICIEL.

<h2>What is Juneteenth?</h2>

Throughout the American Civil War, emancipation arrived in different parts of the Southern U.S. at different times. As a result of the Emancipation Proclamation, jubilees (which recall the biblical jubilee that mirrored enslaved people's freedom) were celebrated on January 1, July 4, August 1, and September 22, amongst other dates.
However, many slaveholders from the Southern states of the Confederacy took their slaves with them to Texas to escape the violence of the war. This action ultimately allowed for slavery to still continue in the state, especially since Texas was the farthest Southern state from ongoing events in the country.&nbsp;
When General Granger issued General Order No. 3 to state residents, the end of pain and suffering under slavery came to an end. Initially referred to as "Jubilee Day," the first Juneteenth celebration took place on June 19, 1866, in Texas to commemorate the official end of slavery in the U.S while teaching African Americans how to vote. Other festivity-oriented names included “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day," and "Black Independence Day."&nbsp;

<h2>The Meaning of the Flag</h2>

In 1997, activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, designed the Juneteenth flag. Collaborators, like illustrator Lisa Jeanna Graf, would help him refine the flag's look, and eventually, the present version was first flown at Boston's Roxbury Heritage State Park in 2000.
Using a red, white, and blue color scheme like the U.S. flag, the Juneteenth flag features a white star at its center, representing Texas and the freedom of enslaved people in all 50 states. Surrounding the star is a 12-point white outline is inspired by a nova, an astronomical event that marks the birth of a new star. 
Through the flag, it is meant to echo a new beginning for African Americans in the U.S. Finally, the red horizontal arch that covers the bottom half of the flag and meets with the blue upper section symbolizes a new horizon in the history of the Western country.
These design choices not only were made to symbolize Juneteenth, but the reality that enslaved communities and their descendants have and will continue to be American. Even the decision to use red, white, and blue calls on the U.S. and its responsibility to address its vast history of injustices towards Black Americans while ensuring these events don't repeat themselves.

<h2>Juneteenth Traditions &amp; Celebrations</h2>

Ever since the first Juneteenth celebration, the holiday has continued to hone in the importance of joyous gatherings made up of friends and families. Even amidst disenfranchisement and the Great Depression, the Texas State Fair was a key location for Juneteenth to survive as a celebration.
In fact, Texas Governor James Allred issued a 1938 proclamation observing the holiday, making Texas the first state to do so. Although the Civil Rights Movement showed some decline in Juneteenth, the Lone Star State kept the flame going as the fight for African Americans' freedom and integration continued.
Eventually, cities like Atlanta, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Houston, and Fort Worth held massive events to celebrate. In 1979, Democratic State Representative Al Edwards hosted a prayer breakfast and commemorative celebration on the grounds of the 1859 Ashton Villa, an event that continued after his death in 2020.
Juneteenth bites include barbecue, watermelon, cornbread, coleslaw, strawberry pie, and red punch, which calls back to the cultural memory of bloodshed experienced by enslaved people during the transatlantic slave trade. Other delicacies include strawberry soda, hibiscus tea, red velvet cake, black-eyed peas, and sweet potatoes.&nbsp;
Activist Opal Lee, known as the "grandmother of Juneteenth," led campaign walks to make the celebration a federal holiday. In between 2016-17 at 89, she led a walk from Fort Worth to D.C. to advocate for Juneteenth. A few years later, the 117th U.S. Congress and President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making the long tradition a federal holiday.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Juneteenth Fashion</h2>

When it comes to deciding what to wear to celebrate Juneteenth, many ideas come to mind. Notably, some choose to wear red, black, and green at parties, festivals, and parades. These colors make up the Pan-African flag, created for those in the African Diaspora and widely regarded as a symbol of Black freedom.
However, if you want to don something different, red, white, black, and blue colorways can be styled up and down depending on the event. From a subtle black dress with a bright pop of color to patterns that pair well with gold jewelry, the possibilities to ensure your style matches the high-energy Juneteenth celebrations are endless.

<h2>Juneteenth's Enduring Legacy</h2>

While the annual tradition commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., the Black community is still actively experiencing discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping in this country. This harsh reality should be recognized not only by those who are aware of it, but also by those who aren't.
In a time where rights continue to be stripped for certain communities, we all must recognize the hardships African-Americans have experienced ever since enslavement came to existence on this land. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to be an ally to the community while embracing self-awareness, moments of reflection, and supporting Black businesses, designers, and talents that will continue to innovate what we know as culture, determination, and resilience under difficult times.

Flags, Festivities, and Fashion: Juneteenth's Enduring Legacy

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