Juneteenth | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

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Macy Gray is calling for a redesign of the American flag.

The 53-year-old “I Try” singer wrote an essay ahead of Juneteenth and she directed her comments at President Biden, Vice President Harris, and members of Congress.

“The American flag has been hijacked as code for a specific belief. God bless those believers, they can have it. Like the Confederate, it is tattered, dated, divisive, and incorrect. It no longer represents democracy and freedom. It no longer represents ALL of us. It’s not fair to be forced to honor it. It’s time for a new flag,” Macy wrote in her essay, which was published on Marketwatch.

Click inside to read more…More Here! »

Photos have been released from the White House’s East Room, where President Joe Biden signed a bill to make Juneteenth an official federal holiday.

For those who still don’t know, June 19 is the date when slavery truly came to an end in the United States. On that date in 1865, slaves in Texas were finally informed that they had freedom, years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln.

Biden was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and other politicians to sign the bill on Thursday afternoon (June 17) at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Also in attendance were singer Usher and 94-year-old activist Opal Lee, who is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”

“It’s really humbling,” Lee told Variety. “I’m overwhelmed at the people who didn’t know about Juneteenth and it’s just coming to their attention.”

Click inside to watch a video of the moment… More Here! »

George Clooney is doing good.

The 59-year-old actor will be donating $500,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative, he announced on Friday (July 19).

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of George Clooney

The donation was made in response to President Donald Trump‘s claim that he made Juneteenth “famous.”

“Thank you President Trump for ‘making Juneteenth famous.’ Much like when Bull Connor made ‘Civil Rights’ famous. My family will be donating 500 thousand dollars to the Equal Justice Initiative in honor of your heroic efforts,” he said a statement to People.

If you didn’t know, Bull Connor was historically opposed to the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s.

Michelle Obama recently explained what Juneteenth means to her.

Rihanna recently made a $15 million donation through her foundation for this cause…

Michelle Obama is speaking out.

The former First Lady of the United States posted a message on Juneteenth (July 19) on Twitter.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Michelle Obama

“Most of us were taught that slavery came to an end when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. But as is so often the case, the full promise of this country was delayed for segments of the African-American community. And for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, freedom didn’t come until June 19, 1865,” she wrote.

“And what I love about Juneteenth is that even in that extended wait, we still find something to celebrate. Even though the story has never been tidy, and Black folks have had to march and fight for every inch of our freedom, our story is nonetheless one of progress,” she continued.

“I think of my own family’s journey. Both of my grandfathers were the grandchildren of enslaved people. They grew up in the Jim Crow South and migrated north in search of a better life. But even then, they were still shut out of jobs and schools and opportunities because of the color of their skin. But they pressed forward with dignity and with purpose, raising good kids, contributing to their communities, and voting in every election. And though they didn’t live to see it themselves, I can see the smiles on their faces knowing that their great-granddaughters ended up playing ball in the halls of the White House—a magnificent structure built by enslaved Americans.”

“All across the country, there are so many more parts to this story—the generations of families whose work and service and protest has led us forward, even if the promise we seek is often delayed. This Juneteenth, let’s all pledge to keep using our voices—and our votes—to keep that story marching forward for our own children, and theirs,” she concluded.

This pop star also spoke out about Juneteenth after using her massively popular platform to elevate Black voices. Find out who…

Selena Gomez is using her platform for good.

The 27-year-old star, who recently handed over her Instagram to influential Black leaders amid global protests against systemic racism, spoke out the night before Juneteenth (June 19) on her Instagram.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Selena Gomez

“I want to thank all of the amazing people that took the time to speak to us directly. I am blown away with your knowledge, eagerness to teach and commitment to ensuring Black voices are not silenced. Educating ourselves is the first step if we hope to make any progress in bringing an end to systemic racism. As much as one might want to believe things have gotten better we cannot deny any longer that they have not. We need to acknowledge that social, political and economic discrimination against Black communities continues to exist. There is a deep pain that needs to be healed. Unless this is recognized history will continue to repeat itself over and over,” she wrote.
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“Tomorrow is Juneteenth which commemorates the day slaves in Texas were told they were free on June 19th 1865. To learn more of the history and the movement to make it a national holiday read The article in my bio. Please take the day to have conversations with your family and friends about the importance of Black Lives Matter and how we all need to join together to ensure equality and justice and then continue these conversations every day!” she continued.
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“Everyone needs to have their voices heard and we can do that by VOTING! We will not let voter suppression stop us! Check out @whenweallvote to get registered and find other helpful resources,” Selena also said.
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“It’s not lost on me how fortunate I am to have this platform and appreciate you all for taking the time to watch, listen and take in the powerful messages and information we’ve been provided over the last two weeks by some of the most inspiring people I’ve come across in my life. If you missed any of these incredible IG stories they are all saved in my Story Highlights under #BLM and #BLM2. This is just the beginning and we will continue to hear from other Black voices and as well as other marginalized communities I am committed to doing the work and I hope you join me.”

Click here to see more about how she used her Instagram platform amid protests…