History of Juneteenth flag in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 20, 2024

The Juneteenth flag symbolizes the Juneteenth holiday in the United States, commemorating the end of slavery. It was first created by activist Ben Haith in 1997, with an updated version flown in 2000. The flag's colors and symbols signify freedom, and it features the date of General Order No. 3, issued in Galveston, Texas in 1865. Starting in 2020, many states began recognizing Juneteenth by flying the flag over their state capitols, especially after it was declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021.

June 1997: First Juneteenth Flag Displayed

Activist Ben Haith, also known as "Boston Ben", designed the Juneteenth flag in 1997 and displayed it for the first time at Boston's John Eliot Square District. This early version of the flag was described by Patricia Smith of the Boston Globe.

1997: First Juneteenth Flag Created

The first Juneteenth flag was created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith. This early version of the flag was displayed in the same year.

2000: Present Juneteenth Flag Design Copyrighted

Ben Haith completed and copyrighted the current Juneteenth flag design in 2000. He is also known for founding the National Juneteenth Celebration. Lisa Jeanne Graf, on her website, claims to have contributed to the design as well, stating she helped refine it for the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation.

2000: First Official Raising of Juneteenth Flag

The Juneteenth flag was officially flown for the first time in 2000 at Boston's Roxbury Heritage State Park, with Ben Haith, the flag's creator, initiating the event.

2007: Date Added to Juneteenth Flag

In 2007, the date "June 19, 1865," was added to the Juneteenth flag, further solidifying its connection to the historical event it commemorates – the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas.

2020: Juneteenth Flag Raised Over State Capitols

Beginning in 2020, several state governors in the United States ordered the Juneteenth flag to be raised over their capitol buildings on June 19th, marking a growing recognition of the holiday.

2020: Juneteenth Flag Raised by Boston Red Sox and University of Nebraska

In 2020, the Boston Red Sox raised the Juneteenth flag over Fenway Park, and the University of Nebraska celebrated Juneteenth by flying the Juneteenth flag alongside their Nebraska flag.

2020: States Begin Recognizing Juneteenth with Flag

Many states began recognizing Juneteenth in 2020 by flying the Juneteenth flag over their state capitol buildings. This movement gained momentum, especially after Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden the following year.

June 19, 2021: Juneteenth Flag Flown Over Illinois State Capitol

On June 19, 2021, the Juneteenth flag was flown above the Illinois State Capitol under the order of Governor J.B. Pritzker. This act coincided with President Joe Biden signing a law declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday.

June 19, 2022: Juneteenth Flag Displayed at Fenway Park

On June 19, 2022, the Juneteenth flag was displayed at Fenway Park alongside the Flag of the United States of America. This event highlighted the increasing recognition and celebration of Juneteenth across different sectors of American society.