DIY Juneteenth Decorations & Crafts

Juneteenth celebrates the abolition of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1862, the U.S. Congress enacted the Emancipation Proclamation, though it would only be implemented throughout the country at the end of the Civil War in 1865. That same year, former slaves and abolitionists commemorated the event, a celebration that would later become known as Juneteenth. In June of 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday and today, people celebrate June 19th as a marker of progress for African Americans and others who have struggled for equality in the United States.

Naturally, Juneteenth is a time to celebrate and reflect on the importance of freedom. Juneteenth celebrations can take many forms, but informal parties with DIY decorations are commonplace all across the nation. So, what kinds of decorations and crafts are best to celebrate such an important day?

In today’s guide, we will answer this question and help you find the best materials to make your very own Juneteenth decorations and craft projects!

The Juneteenth Colors

While there are no official colors to celebrate Juneteenth, a few colors are commonly used during the holiday. Traditionally, red, white, and blue flags have been flown as part of Juneteenth festivities, but not using the stars and stripes of the American flag. Instead, the flag uses a blue top section, a red bottom section, and a white star in the middle, surrounded by a white, 12-pointed outline. This tradition began when the flag was first designed in 1997, and it continued to gain popularity throughout the 2000s.

However, some people have rejected the red, white, and blue colors in favor of a Pan-African design. Some versions of the Pan-African flag have been in use since the early 1920s, and they can encompass many different designs. That said, these flags almost always use red, green, yellow, and black.

In short, the colors you use to create Juneteenth decorations will largely depend on your personal tastes and beliefs. You may prefer the Pan-African colors, the colors of the American flag, or a combination of the two. And, since there are no “official” colors assigned to the holiday, it’s important to remember that you can still get creative and utilize whichever colors you think best represent the occasion!

Juneteenth Celebration Themes

There are many important themes to consider when designing Juneteenth decorations and crafts. Unlike some holidays that may have more whimsical undertones, Juneteenth is grounded in a very serious subject matter. At the same time, it is also a moment for open celebration. Therefore, you may choose to take a more sober approach to the festivities, or take the time to really celebrate freedom and progress. Either way, there are various themes that you can use to guide your hand will crafting:

Liberation

Perhaps the most important theme associated with June 19th is liberation. With the stroke of a pen, the U.S. government officially granted freedom to nearly 4 million slaves. Though it would take years before that liberating act would take effect, it served as the first major step toward liberty for African Americans and other disenfranchised minorities in the United States. Regardless of the kinds of decorations or crafts you choose to make, remember to keep the theme of liberation close at hand.

Progress

It’s easy to see that the country has come a long way since the days of slavery. While you may prefer to focus on the more sobering and tragic aspects of the holiday, it’s also important to appreciate the progress that has been made, thanks in large part to many activists who have worked hard to ensure that the descendants of former slaves can live fruitful and happy lives. Even though there are still plenty of changes that need to be made, it’s difficult to ignore just how far we, as a society, have come. Consider using progress as a theme for your decorations and crafts.

Social Justice

Juneteenth offers the opportunity to put greater focus on some of the injustices that still exist in the United States. There are many ways to help promote social justice and racial equality, from endorsing the Black Lives Matter movement to supporting black-owned businesses. Though Juneteenth is a celebration of the abolition of slavery, it is also a moment to reflect on what changes still need to be made. Learning about the history of racial injustice in the United States is a good start, and it may guide the direction of your decorations and crafts.

Pan-African Culture

Though Juneteenth is often a time to reflect on the suffering African Americans have lived through and the challenges they continue to face, it is also a time to take pride in one’s culture. Pan-Africanism offers a way for all people of African descent to come together and celebrate their unique roots. If you want to steer the festivities toward cultural pride and celebration, Pan-African decorations and crafts are a great option.