It became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

The colors are red, white and blue, echoing the American flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are Americans. The star in the middle pays homage to Texas, while the bursting "new star" on the "horizon" of the red and blue fields represents a new beginning.

As of 2021, all 50 states have recognized Juneteenth as either a holiday or an observance. South Dakota became the last state to do so on June 17, 2021. "All men are created equal," said South Dakota governor Kristi Noem, upon announcing the holiday. "That is America's foundational ideal. Juneteenth celebrates an important day when we came closer to making that ideal a reality for all Americans, regardless of race."