Freedom Remembered, Culture Celebrated

The Juneteenth flag, fine-tuned by artist Lisa Jeanne Graf in 2000, is a powerful visual symbol of Black liberation, hope, and belonging. At its center is a bursting white star, representing both Texas—where Juneteenth began—and the collective freedom of Black Americans across the nation. Surrounding the star is a nova, symbolizing a new beginning, a metaphor for the explosive hope and transformation that came with emancipation. Beneath it, a curved horizon reflects progress and the promise of a brighter future. Graf has described the flag as a message of resilience and purpose—one that looks forward while honoring the past. Its red, white, and blue colors mirror the American flag, affirming that Black Americans are not only part of the nation’s history but essential to its identity. More than a banner, the Juneteenth flag is a visual story of remembrance, struggle, and enduring hope.