Meet Ben Haith, the Man Behind the Juneteenth Flag

Table Of Content

• Our Studio & Our Story
• Here’s how you can celebrate Juneteenth today in L.A. County
• Events
• Juneteenth is in its 156th year. Many Americans are just beginning to celebrate it
• What to Know Before Booking a National Park Trip This Summer
• Sounds of Freedom
• Nicole Beharie embraces imperfection in life and in her ‘Miss Juneteenth’ character

Though the true end of slavery was long celebrated on June 19th by Black Americans, especially Texans, it wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until President Joe Biden declared it as one on June 7, 2021. Today, Juneteenth is recognized throughout the country as a significant day in American history. However, it’s more than just another day that schools and businesses get a reprieve from business as usual. Its historical significance is honored and represented through the use of flags, colors and symbols.

Our Studio & Our Story

It wasn’t until two years later in 1865 that Union army and General Gordon Granger finally reached Texas and the end of slavery was implemented. Juneteenth stands for June 19th, the day federal troops went to Galveston, Texas, and took control of the state. While the process wasn’t instant — slavery officially ended months later with the 13th Amendment — it was the beginning of emancipation and celebrations broke out across the state. Most U.S. states now hold celebrations honoring Juneteenth as a holiday or a day of recognition, like Flag Day.

Ben Haith recalls designing the Juneteenth flag -- in Boston - CBS Boston

Ben Haith recalls designing the Juneteenth flag -- in Boston.

Posted: Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Here’s how you can celebrate Juneteenth today in L.A. County

Ishka Designs is a Brooklyn-based interior design firm all about beauty in negative spaces. This incredible design pair is admired, sought-after, and pretty much who we all want to be when we grow up. Brigette Romanek is the founder of Romanek Design Studio, and one of the most sought after interior designers in LA.

Events

If you love drama, maximalism, patterns, color, and glamour in your spaces, this is an Instagram not to be missed. Darryl Carter is one of the most well-known interior designers in the country today. His architectural approach to design is evident in every image he posts. There’s nothing more satisfying than a clear and evolving design eye, and we are so glad Darryl shares his with us.

Juneteenth is a day that marks the freedom of enslaved people. The history behind Juneteenth is tied to acts during the Civil War and years of struggle to truly end slavery. Juneteenth’s flag is a white star within a resplendent starburst set against a proud backdrop of red and blue. It symbolizes the freedom of four million enslaved people and hope for African Americans and Blacks displaced by the diaspora. On Juneteenth—that is, June 19 of each year—you’ll see the flag waving high over state capitols and city buildings.

Capital B spoke with Ben Haith, the flag’s creator, and others to learn more about its history and impact. This story is part of a special Juneteenth project with Vox which explores the ongoing struggle for freedom for Black Americans. Listen to music that symbolizes hope, joy and perseverance and honors Black Americans' lives, legacy, resilience and self-sufficiency. The coming of summer heralds cook-outs, line dancing, and brightly colored t-shirts iconic of Black family reunions. On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom.

Beyoncé's Juneteenth Message Sparks Outrage - Newsweek

Beyoncé's Juneteenth Message Sparks Outrage.

Posted: Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

What to Know Before Booking a National Park Trip This Summer

Steven Williams, the president of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, agreed with the sentiment. Throughout 2024, Capital B is committed to creating better informed and empowered Black communities across the country. From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods.

The day is also celebrated outside the United States, being used by organizations in a number of countries to recognize the end of slavery and to honour the culture and achievements of African Americans. Juneteenth was originally celebrated in Texas, on June 19, 1866. It marked the first anniversary of the day that African Americans there first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it was initially issued. The holiday was originally celebrated with prayer meetings and by singing spirituals and wearing new clothes to represent newfound freedom. Within a few years, African Americans were celebrating Juneteenth in other states, making it an annual tradition. Like most holidays, Juneteenth has seen its fair share of commercialism.

And finally, in 2022, South Dakota became the last state to make Juneteenth a paid holiday. Over the last several decades, Hollister House in Connecticut has become one of the most inspiring gardens in America. Influenced by famous English gardens, owner George Schoellkopf turned his own property into a series of architectural rooms filled with lavishly romantic plantings. The contrast between formality and wildness, a cornerstone of English gardens, has made Hollister House an icon in its own right. And yet its garden design ideas can translate—and bring magic—to yards of any size. Many park enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings about the reservation policies, with some lamenting a lack of first-come, first-served campsites while others find comfort in knowing they have a confirmed booking.

Based on time-honored recipes updated for today’s palate, NMAAHC Curator Joanne Hyppolite and Sweet Home Executive Chef Ramin Coles will discuss how at-home audiences can design and cook a delicious Juneteenth Day menu for family and friends. Join the museum’s Juneteenth celebration – during the entire month of June – and embrace the rich history of Freedom Day each week. The curve that serves as the border between red and blue stands for new horizons. Emancipation was supposed to bring a brighter collective future for Black Americans.

U.S. President Joe Biden signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in the East Room of the White House on June 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. The Juneteenth holiday marks the end of slavery in the United States and the Juneteenth National Independence Day will become the 12th legal federal holiday — the first new one since Martin Luther King Jr. With the end of slavery, searching for family members who had been separated or sold away became the focus of many formerly enslaved individuals. The number of years of separation did not deter people from hoping to reunite with lost loved ones.

More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans living in Texas. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The former slaves immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. Make a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Consider visiting a local art gallery or historical society if they host a special celebration.