LYNN– The annual Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony will take place Tuesday at Lynn City Hall from 6 to 7 p.m.
Juneteenth, which takes place on June 19, was enacted as a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021, commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved people were proclaimed free in Galveston, Texas.
Lynn English ROTC will raise the flag. In attendance at the event will be City Councilor-at-Large Nicole McClain, Janey David, and Michelle LaPoetica.
Singing and performing artist, David will perform the “Black National Anthem.” LaPoetica will be performing “Spoken Word from the Soul.”
A band called, “A Trike Called Funk,” will be at the event to perform music as well as breakdancing.
McClain, who is the founder of the NorthShore Juneteenth Association, which is sponsoring the event, will be speaking about the history of Juneteenth.
In an interview with The Item, McClain said “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.”
She added that she hopes people will leave the event with a better understanding of the holiday’s significance.
McClain said there will be red velvet cupcakes among other red-colored food to “commemorate the blood that was spread during the enslavement of Black Americans.”
One June 22, there will be a Juneteenth celebration hosted at the Lynn Museum/Arts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At this event there will be music, live performances, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and food for purchase, according to the event’s flyer.
