Nuanced symbols of freedom that most of us are missing from the June flag

There are a couple of things that black people love: coloured parties (often white), good cooking, and symbols of freedom/resistance. From the raised fist of “Black Power” to the North Star, symbolism continues to play a big role in Black history and culture, and this power carries over into Juneteenth celebrations as well.

Every 12 months since 1865, Black Americans have celebrated the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States on June 19, honoring the date when Galveston residents were belatedly informed that they were now free. Since then, Juneteenth celebrations have blossomed across the country, a lot so that in 2021, the Biden administration declared the day a federal holiday. While most Americans understand what Juneteenth symbolizes, one element of the holiday is usually neglected: the flag.

Since when has the June 16 flag existed?

In 1997, 80-year-old Ben Haith designed the Juneteenth flag, noting that the growing holiday had no symbol. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Haith created a flag that draws inspiration from each the American flag and his ancestor’s journey to freedom.

“There are so many spiritual aspects to this country and I think this flag has that character,” Haith said, explaining the idea behind the flag: in response to CNN. “(The project idea) just came to me.”

The Juneteenth flag consists of 4 important symbols: the star, its explosion, the arc and the colours. According to Haith, symbolismthe large white star in the center of the flag is double. On the one hand, he represents the Lone Star State of Texas, where the last enslaved black people gained their freedom. On the other hand, it’s a greater symbol of freedom for black people in all 50 states.

The star outline is a striking illustration inspired by the appearance latest astronomical, reflecting a brand new starting for Black Americans in Galveston after emancipation. Similar to the American flag, Haith’s background design features the colours red and blue, separated by a curved arc that extends the full length of the flag to reflect latest horizons of hope and possibility for Black people.

“It’s an important symbol of unification that people can wrap themselves around,” said Steve Williams, president of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation Boston Globe. “It doesn’t deny (Black people’s) place in America; is an example of this.”

Why don’t you see this as often?

While some recognize Haith’s Juneteenth flag design, most have turn into accustomed to seeing variations of the Pan-African flag during Juneteenth celebrations. Among the most popular projects is the activist Marcus Garvey’s 1920 Black Liberation Flag, which, unlike the official Juneteenth flag, has a color palette of red, green and black. A unifying symbol of Black freedom across the diaspora, Garvey’s design has been utilized in several Black liberation movements, including the Black Panther Party and the Black Lives Matter movement.

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Does it look familiar?

In addition to an identical color palette, the official Juneteenth flag somewhat resembles the flag of Haiti. In 1804, Haiti became the first free Black Republic, gaining independence from French colonizers. The abolition of slavery was a milestone that inspired black liberation movements around the world.

“Haiti became a beacon for the people of the Americas, especially those of African descent, as a nation that fought against slavery and for equality. The Haitian Revolution inspired uprisings and founded Black-ruled cities and towns in Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico and the U.S., among others,” explained Taylor Healey-Brooks, resident librarian in the Latin America, Caribbean and Europe Division. according to the Library of Congress. “People often think of Haitians immigrating to the United States, but there was a time when black Americans immigrated to Haiti. For many African Americans in the early 19th century, Haiti represented black freedom and the opportunity to thrive in a country that believed in equality.”

Whether you are a fan of the Juneteenth flag’s color palette or not, its intentional design and connection to international liberation movements remind us of how interconnected the black diaspora is in the fight for freedom and equality.

In the words of Maya Angelou: “The truth is that none of us can be free until all are free.”