06/19/2026
🙏🏾Happy Juneteenth from Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church! 🙏🏾
Observed each year on June 19, Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring pursuit of freedom, justice, and the inherent dignity of every human person.
As people of faith, we celebrate the resilience, perseverance, and immeasurable contributions of African Americans throughout history. We also recommit ourselves to living the Gospel by promoting justice, reconciliation, and love for one another.
“I am black and beautiful.”
— Song of Songs 1:5
Today, we also honor the remarkable legacy of Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Through decades of tireless advocacy, she championed to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021, ensuring that this important chapter of American history would be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
You may notice two sets of colors associated with today’s celebration:
The Official Juneteenth Flag, designed by Ben Haith in 1997, features red, white, and blue, symbolizing that the descendants of enslaved people are an inseparable part of the American story. Its bursting star represents a new beginning and freedom for all, while the arc across the flag symbolizes a new horizon filled with hope and opportunity.
The Pan-African Flag, created by Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), is also widely displayed during Juneteenth celebrations. Its colors carry profound meaning:
🙏🏾Red represents the blood shed in the struggle for freedom and liberation.
🙏🏾Black represents the people of African descent.
🙏🏾Green represents the rich land of Africa and the hope, growth, and future of its people.
May this Juneteenth inspire us to continue building communities rooted in faith, hope, justice, and the love of Christ.
Happy Juneteenth! 🙏🏾
