In 1997, Ben Haith, known as "Boston Ben," created the Juneteenth flag. As a community organizer and activist with a background in marketing, he learned about Juneteenth and believed it needed a symbol. Every year he’s flown the flag he designed near his son’s school in Roxbury, Boston's historically Black neighborhood.
Although Juneteenth is usually associated with the Pan-African red, green, and black, Haith intentionally used red, white, and blue for his flag as a reminder to every Black person who’s descended from enslaved people is an American.
There’s been some controversy over the Juneteenth flag, with some critics seeing its red white and blue as a tribute to our oppressors. But Haith stood ten toes down, insisting that for generations our people spent their lives making this country into what it is today. Those colors are just as much ours as anyone’s.
The star in the center of the flag symbolizes Texas, the Lone Star State, and the roots of Juneteenth, and acknowledges our enslaved ancestors who followed the stars to chart their way to freedom along the Underground Railroad. The outline is inspired by a nova, or a starburst, representing freedom. The arch represents the new horizon for Black people.
Juneteenth is more than just a celebration of our emancipation in 1865. It's a celebration of the future we're using our creativity to build right now. Happy Juneteenth, y'all!