MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on June 18th, signed Executive Order #230, raising the Juneteenth Flag for the fifth year in a row over the Wisconsin State Capitol in celebration of Juneteenth. 

Gov. Evers also proclaimed June 19, 2024, as “Juneteenth” throughout the state of Wisconsin. A copy of the governor’s 2024 Juneteenth proclamation is available here.

“I will always be proud to raise the Juneteenth Flag and to help celebrate Juneteenth, the countless contributions of Black Wisconsinites both past and present, and the stronger, brighter future we are building together,” said Gov. Evers. “Raising the Juneteenth Flag sends a message that here in Wisconsin, we celebrate Black history, culture, and resilience, we believe our differences and our diversity make us stronger, and we are committed to building a state that is more just and more equitable.”

On June 19, 1865, more than two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to declare the end of slavery. In the nearly 160 years since, June 19th has been known as Juneteenth and is one of the oldest and most popular annual commemorations of the end of slavery in the United States.

The Juneteenth Flag features a star to represent Texas, the Lone Star State; a nova, or new star, representing a new beginning and the freedom of African Americans; the curve on the flag dividing the red and blue colors representing a “new horizon” and a future of “opportunities and promise” for Black Americans; and red, white, and blue colors, reminding us that people who were enslaved and their descendants shall be “forever free.”

In 2020, Gov. Evers ordered the Juneteenth Flag to be flown at the State Capitol for the first time in state history. Juneteenth is formally recognized and celebrated in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with Wisconsin joining as the 32nd state to recognize this day in 2009. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a federal holiday.  

The Juneteenth Flag will temporarily replace the Progress Pride Flag through Wednesday at sunset in celebration of Juneteenth but will otherwise not disrupt other flags that regularly fly over the State Capitol building. The U.S. flag and Wisconsin state flag will continue flying on the East Wing flagpole above the Juneteenth Flag. The POW-MIA flag will continue flying on the North Wing flagpole as it does every day.  

Executive Order #230 is available here and is in effect beginning Tues., June 18, 2024, until sunset on Wed., June 19, 2024.