A Juneteenth Message
- WRBLSA
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Juneteenth: A Legacy of Resilience, Resistance, and Renewal
It has been just 160 years since Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, accompanied by approximately 2,000 Union troops—many of them Black soldiers—to announce that all enslaved people in Texas were free. This moment, which occurred on June 19, 1865, marked the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and gave birth to what we now commemorate as Juneteenth.
Reflecting on this relatively brief span of history can elicit two profound emotions: immense pride in what Black Americans have achieved since that day, and an awareness of the continued struggle to protect and preserve those hard-won gains. But above all, Juneteenth is a celebration—of freedom, resilience, and the unyielding determination of enslaved people who dared to believe in liberation, even when it seemed impossibly distant.
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, took effect on January 1, 1863. It declared enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate states to be legally free. However, in practice, the proclamation could only be enforced in areas under Union control. In many regions—especially in the Deep South and far-flung places like Texas—enslavement persisted.
In fact, by the time Granger and his troops arrived in Texas, more than two years had passed since the proclamation. Despite the legal declaration of freedom, approximately 250,000 people remained enslaved in Texas. Many enslavers deliberately withheld the news of emancipation, some waiting until after the final harvest, and others until Union officials directly enforced the law. Even then, freedom was not immediately realized; it took communal effort, vigilance, and courage among the newly freed to push for the promises of emancipation.
This is the spirit we honor on Juneteenth—the grit, tenacity, and collective power of a people who would not be denied their humanity.
The Juneteenth flag captures that journey vividly. Its red, white, and blue color scheme mirrors the American flag, symbolizing that the descendants of enslaved people are—and have always been—American citizens. The five-pointed star at its center represents Texas, the birthplace of the holiday, while the starburst surrounding it signals a new beginning for Black Americans across the country. The sweeping arc signifies a horizon of hope, reflecting the ongoing expansion of liberty. Juneteenth’s timing near the summer solstice—the longest, brightest day of the year—is no coincidence. It reminds us that light will always follow even the darkest chapters of our shared history.
While the struggle for equity and justice continues, Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder that progress is possible and worth celebrating. It challenges us to reflect, to remember, and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of liberty and justice for all.
So this Juneteenth, let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and continue to work toward a future where freedom is never delayed or denied. And as we raise the Juneteenth flag, may we do so with pride, purpose, and a deep respect for the legacy of those who paved the way. 1
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