Happy Juneteenth, Free Black Femmes! We launched our Instagram account on Juneteenth because freedom is at the core of what we do—freedom to create, rest, imagine, and be fully ourselves. That kind of freedom is what this day has always been about.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that marks the day the last enslaved Black people in the United States learned they were free. The Emancipation Proclamation technically ended slavery on January 1, 1863—but that news didn’t reach everyone right away. It took more than two years for Union troops to arrive in Galveston, Texas and announce the end of slavery there.
If you look closely at the history, you’ll find that each state has its own date tied to freedom. Juneteenth represents the final chapter. The day the last were finally told.
What Happened on June 19, 1865
On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with more about 2,000 federal troops. He read General Order No. 3 aloud, which stated that all enslaved people in Texas were free. It was the first time many of them had heard the news, even though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued more than two years earlier.
That delay wasn’t just about distance. It was intentional. White enslavers in Texas knew about emancipation but chose not to inform the people they held in bondage. They wanted to hold on to free labor for as long as possible.
This moment in Galveston marked the final enforcement of emancipation in the Confederacy. It became a turning point in Black American history and the origin of what we now call Juneteenth.
From Texas to the Nation
Juneteenth has been observed by Black Texans since 1865. It became an official state holiday in 1980, making Texas the first state to formally recognize it. For decades, it remained a local tradition. Families would gather, cook, and celebrate freedom in their own way, even if the rest of the country wasn’t paying attention.
That started to shift in 2020. As uprisings against police violence erupted across the U.S., more people began asking what Juneteenth was and why it mattered. The calls for national recognition grew louder.
In 2021, Juneteenth was signed into law as a federal holiday. President Joe Biden made it official on June 17, giving it the status it always deserved.
A Black American Holiday
Juneteenth is not a general day of freedom. It’s not meant to represent liberation across the African diaspora. And it’s not a “Black and brown” or “BIPOC” holiday. This day belongs to African Americans.
Each state has its own timeline tied to emancipation, but Juneteenth marks the very last. It’s the day the final group of enslaved Black people in the U.S.—those in Galveston, Texas—were told they were free. That historical moment matters and the legacy that followed is ours to carry.
I know some Texans have said they wish Juneteenth had stayed local. That it was something sacred to their communities and traditions. I respect that. But as a Black American who isn’t from Texas, I’m grateful that I get to celebrate it too.
For so long, we were told to mark our freedom on July Fourth—a holiday rooted in a declaration of independence that did not include us. In 1776, we were still enslaved. So while we may enjoy the fireworks or take the day off, it doesn’t represent freedom for us. Juneteenth does.
Gatekeeping has become a loaded word, but I believe in it when it comes to our history. We don’t have much. What we do have deserves to be protected. Juneteenth should be honored, not watered down or treated like just another long weekend.
The Juneteenth Flag
The Juneteenth flag was created in 1997 and updated in 2000. While you might see red, yellow, and green used in some graphics promoting the holiday, those are Pan-African colors—not Juneteenth colors.
The actual Juneteenth flag uses red, white, and blue. That choice was intentional. It affirms that Black Americans are part of this country, even when the country tries to act like we’re not.
The bursting star at the center represents Galveston, Texas, where the last enslaved people were freed. The surrounding arc suggests a new horizon. A new beginning.
Red Food
You’ll notice a theme of red food at many Juneteenth celebrations. Dishes like red velvet cake, hibiscus tea, watermelon, hot links, and strawberry soda are often part of the spread.
The color red holds meaning. It symbolizes the bloodshed of slavery, but also the survival, joy, and spirit that followed. These foods also connect back to West African traditions, where the color red represents strength, vitality, and ancestral power.
How I Celebrate
The first time I celebrated Juneteenth as an adult was in 2017. I had just moved to Los Angeles and went to a Juneteenth yoga class. That peaceful space felt like a form of protest.
In more recent years, I’ve gone to street fairs, like the annual event held in Leimert Park. Some people host cookouts or family dinners. Others march, shop, read, or simply rest. That’s the beauty of it. You get to decide what freedom looks like for you.
What’s Closed on Juneteenth?
Because it’s now a federal holiday, most banks and government offices are closed on June 19. The postal service also stops delivery, though some private services like FedEx may still run. It’s a small but important recognition of what the day means.
Final Thoughts on Juneteenth
Juneteenth started in Galveston, Texas. It began with news of freedom reaching those who had waited too long to hear it. That moment turned into a movement.
Free Black Femmes was born on this day as a continuation of that movement. We believe in freedom as more than a historical fact. It’s something we live, celebrate, and protect.
This Juneteenth, however you choose to celebrate, remember that your rest, your joy, and your voice are all part of the legacy.
