We come together today to celebrate the importance of Black history and honor Juneteenth—the day that marked the effective end of slavery in the United States.
While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the proclamation and ensure the freedom of enslaved African Americans in one of the last holdout states. This day, now recognized as a federal holiday, stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, liberation, and the ongoing journey toward equality.
At Saturday AM, we proudly stand for diversity and the elevation of voices from all communities of color. And today, we want to spotlight our Black and Brown creators and characters who continue to inspire and empower through storytelling.
We’re excited to share a special Juneteenth illustration by our very own Morganne Walker, creator of Soul Beat. This piece features Dante from Soul Beat, Karim from Underground, and Aboki from Orisha—all repping for Juneteenth in bold red, green, and yellow. Pure fire!
If you’ve been with us for a while, you might remember Morganne’s Juneteenth artwork from 2023. Check out that post here:
👉 Happy Juneteenth – 2023 Post
Get to know the stories featured in this year’s art:
Soul Beat Vol. 1
Dante Alfonse is a promising boxer who’s more than capable of taking on any opponent, inside or outside of the ring. Whether it’s a bully in his neighborhood or even stopping a robbery, he’s quick to step in and hold down his city. Of course, when your name means “to endure,” being an unstoppable force for good comes naturally! But sometimes, good deeds attract unwanted attention…
Underground Vol. 1
Seeking revenge against the violent gang who attacked him and ended his Olympic dreams, he’s determined to battle every colorful combatant in his path.
His only obstacle is the illness brought about by the violent attack, which could kill Karim if he becomes too reckless—serving as his conscience is his nurse, who is trying to push him into changing his lifestyle but is learning more about the danger and the allure of secret mixed martial arts contests.
Orisha Vol. 1
When Aboki gains a seed, he is reluctant to use the power at all. As he builds alliances with loyal companions, Aboki must also prevent those who wish to use his new Orisha powers for their own conquests. But can he trust everyone around him? Will his happy outlook on life be ruined by a gnawing cynicism that humankind is inherently corrupt?
Happy Juneteenth from all of us at Saturday AM!
Explore these stories and more from our incredible lineup of diverse creators. Representation isn’t just a trend—it’s the foundation of what we do.
