# What is the origin of the African Liberation Flag, and how does it relate to Juneteenth?
The African Liberation Flag, a powerful symbol of Pan-Africanism, consists of three horizontal stripes: red, black, and green. Created in 1920 by Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), it represents the struggle and sacrifice for liberation (red), the Black people who are the foundation of the movement (black), and the natural wealth and beauty of Africa (green). While Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, the African Liberation Flag's origins and symbolism extend to the broader fight for Black freedom and self-determination across the diaspora.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that enslaved people were free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. This date is a crucial moment in American history, signifying a pivotal step towards freedom for Black Americans.
### The Roots of the African Liberation Flag
The African Liberation Flag emerged from the burgeoning Pan-African movement of the early 20th century. Marcus Garvey, a prominent Black nationalist leader, and the UNIA sought to unite people of African descent worldwide and advocate for their liberation and self-determination. The flag, adopted in 1920, was a visual representation of these ideals.
* **Red:** Symbolizes the blood shed by Africans and their descendants in the struggle for liberation and in the fight against oppression.
* **Black:** Represents the Black race, the very people who are the subjects of the flag's message of liberation and self-determination.
* **Green:** Signifies the lush vegetation and natural resources of Africa, a symbol of hope and the continent's inherent richness.
This flag became a unifying symbol for Black people globally, representing a shared history, a common struggle, and a collective aspiration for freedom and self-governance.
### Juneteenth: A Juncture of Freedom in America
Juneteenth, often called "Black Independence Day" or "Second Independence Day," holds deep significance within the United States. It commemorates the delayed, but ultimately triumphant, delivery of freedom's news to the last enslaved people in the Confederacy.
* **The Emancipation Proclamation:** Issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, it declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states in rebellion against the Union were free. However, its enforcement was dependent on Union military presence.
* **Galveston, Texas:** It was not until June 19, 1865, that General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with federal troops to announce and enforce the proclamation, effectively freeing the last enslaved African Americans. (https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth)
* **A Federal Holiday:** In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday, acknowledging its importance in the nation's history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/16/when-what-juneteenth-federal-holiday-history-origins/84225261007/)
### Connecting the Symbols: A Shared Struggle
While the African Liberation Flag and Juneteenth originate from different contexts—one from a global movement for Black empowerment and the other from a specific event in American history—they are united by a common thread: the pursuit of freedom and self-determination for Black people.
Juneteenth celebrations often incorporate the colors of the African Liberation Flag, weaving its symbolism into the festivities. This visual connection serves as a reminder that the fight for freedom on June 19, 1865, was not an isolated event but part of a larger, ongoing struggle for liberation and equality that resonates across the African diaspora.
The African Liberation Flag's message of unity and resistance complements the spirit of Juneteenth, underscoring that the journey towards full freedom and justice is a continuous one, marked by shared heritage and collective action.
## References
* https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth
* https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/16/when-what-juneteenth-federal-holiday-history-origins/84225261007/
