PEABODY — On a beautiful sunny morning, a gathering of city officials, law enforcement, and high school students for Peabody’s annual Juneteenth ceremony, celebrated with a flag raising and speeches from both Peabody Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. and students from the Peabody High School Culture Club.
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people finally learned of their freedom in Galveston, TX. President Joe Biden enacted the official federal holiday in 2021, however it has been a long celebrated holiday among Black communities dating back to 1866. 2026 marks 161 years since the first Juneteenth, a reminder that the past is never as far away as it seems.
The flag that is now raised each year was designed by activist Ben Haith in 1997, rich with symbolism to represent history, freedom, and the future.
Bettencourt touched on the importance of honoring the past in order to create a better future. While Juneteenth is certainly about the past, it is also a day to celebrate where history is headed.
“We take a moment, in my mind, to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans and our Black community in the city of Peabody and across our nation,” Bettencourt said. “In every conceivable way the African American and Black community has contributed to all the positives we have.”
Peabody High School student Loudjina Louis spoke about the holiday itself and the disproportionate injustices African American and Black immigrant communities face in America.
“In 2024 alone, the population of Black immigrants grew to 5.6 million. Black immigrants are one of the most targeted minorities when it comes to deportation.” Louis said. “They don’t have a say in being wrongfully accused or detained, but everyone here has a voice. A voice that could spread awareness and make a difference, no matter how big or small.”
Yanna Felismino, another Peabody High School student, read the famous Paul Laurence Dunbar poem entitled “Harriet Beecher Stowe,” a tribute to Stowe and her 1852 novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
“In this poem, (Dunbar) argues that (Stowe’s) powerful voice awakened people’s consciences, inspired the fight for justice, and helped move the nation towards freedom for enslaved Africans.” Felismino said. She then read from the poem.
“She told the story, and the whole world wept, at wrongs and cruelties it had not known, but for this fearless woman’s voice alone.” Felismino read. “Her message, freedom’s clear reveille, swept from heedless hovel to complacent throne.”
Dorinda Mkuchu, the last student speaker, read an original poem, titled “An Ode to Juneteenth.”
“’Our people are free,’ they cried out, but we weren’t. We had to fight for it, to take that which was already deemed ours. We walked through our blood, sweat, and tears to reach where we stand now.” Mkuchu said. “Generations carried the weight so we could breathe a little easier. Now communities gather to commemorate their work and the sacrifice. The endless drum for dignity, all for the simple truth, to be true and human.”
Bettencourt then read two proclamations, recognizing Massachusetts’ long held celebration of Juneteenth, which initially began in 2007 and the continued celebration by the town of Peabody.
“We strongly urge all residents of the city to recognize and celebrate, annually, this nationally recognized commemoration.” Bettencourt said
The students were then invited by the mayor to help raise the flag that serves as a reminder of America’s complex history and incredible progress. Together they all raised the flag up into the sunny sky.
“There’s still a lot of work to do as communities, but there is a lot to be proud of,” Bettencourt said. “The flag will proudly be raised above City Hall all this week.”
