What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) honors the anniversary and the freedom of the last African Americans who were enslaved in the US. Also known as “Freedom Day”, Juneteenth represents freedom for all Americans. After the Emancipation
Proclamation was issued in 1863, which declared all slaves in rebellious Confederate States to be “FREE”, it wasn’t until 1865 that the 13th Amendment permanently ended slavery in the United States. When the Confederate Army surrendered two months after the end of the Civil War in April 1865, the Union soldiers finally arrived in Texas. They brought exciting news: All enslaved people must be FREE! People began to celebrate! Fast forward 165 years, former President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth Day Act in 2021.
Juneteenth Flag Facts
• Ben Haith, the founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, created the flag in 1997
• Flag colors are red, white, and blue to represent that slaves and descendants were and are Americans
• The star represents: Texas, the Lone Star State, and freedom of African Americans in all 50 states
• The burst outline around the star represents: a new beginning for African Americans of Galveston, Texas, and throughout the land
• The arc represents a new horizon: the opportunities and promise that lie ahead for Black Americans
Scan the QR Code to Learn More!
Juneteenth Food
These Types Of Food Are Common
At Juneteenth Celebrations:
Soul Food: fried chicken, ribs, southern mac & cheese, collard greens, candied yams, cornbread, and potato salad
Red Foods & Drinks: red beans and rice, hot sauce, watermelon salad, red cabbage coleslaw, fresh fruit salad, BBQ meats, red drink, and red velvet cake
Scan the QR Code for Recipes!
Juneteenth Music & Dance
A Few Music and Dance Ideas
For Juneteenth Celebrations:
• Create your own playlist of freedom songs to listen to during Juneteenth, or scan the QR code below to listen to the Wright’s Juneteenth Spotify playlist.
• Research Spiritual Hymns / Songs and reflect on their meaning.
• Dance is a freedom of expression, so when in doubt, DANCE IT OUT.
Scan the QR Code for The Wright’s Playlist!
Juneteenth Reading List
