Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Juneteenth. A celebration of resilience and a solemn reminder of the struggle for justice and equality. Here in Virginia, with its deep historical roots, the day invites us to reflect on our past—and consider how we can each contribute to a better future.

Whether through education, conversation, or simply taking a moment to learn something new, we encourage you to honor the spirit of Juneteenth in a way that’s meaningful to you. We’re so glad you’re here.

If you’re wondering why it took more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation for slaves to be free, it’s because that proclamation applied only to enslaved people in Union territory.

It wasn’t until April 9, 1865 that Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia, ending the civil war and extending the Emancipation Proclamation to the Confederate states. But even then, Union soldiers still had to enforce the law in the South. Texas ignored the Emancipation Proclamation altogether.

But on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and Union troops arrived at Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed that “all slaves are free.”

Juneteenth celebrates that freedom.

Activist Ben Haith designed the Juneteenth flag in 1997. Haith is the founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation.

Its colors come from the American flag, reminding all that slaves were Americans. The white star represents both Texas (the Lone Star state) and the freedom of all African Americans across the country. 

The starburst was inspired by a “nova”—a new star—and represents a new beginning for African Americans. Meanwhile, the curve represents a new horizon.

In Virginia, there are a multitude of locations that acknowledge and tell the story of the harrowing sale of human beings. 

Many of these places throughout the commonwealth are accessible by vehicle and can serve as a moving and educational experience for those wanting to learn more about the bleak time in American history.

We’ve created a historic road trip for those interested in traveling to some of those locations.

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