Town officials, students, and residents attended the town’s fourth annual Juneteenth ceremony and flag-raising on Wednesday on the lawn of Abbot Hall
The ceremony is sponsored by the town’s Task Force Against Discrimination.
Juneteenth, which was recognized as a federal holiday in June 2021, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas in 1865 and is also recognized as “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” and “Juneteenth National Independence Day.” The celebration in Marblehead took place seven days before the actual holiday, which is June 19.
The one-hour program was scheduled to start with drumming and storytelling by Greg Coles.
North Shore Juneteenth Association President and founder Nicole McClain was also scheduled to speak about the history of the holiday.
“It’s very important that we highlight the plight of Black Americans in our community and we also lift their voices up and let them know that they’re welcome in our community,” McClain said in an interview with The Weekly News before the event.
She added that she hopes people will leave the event with a better understanding of the holiday’s significance.
Marine cadets from Lynn English High School raised the Juneteenth flag and Marblehead High School students were featured at the ceremony.