A flag-raising ceremony commemorating the Juneteenth holiday took place at the Somerville City Hall concourse on Tuesday, June 18. — Photos by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The end of slavery is something that has been on the minds of many for a long time, and in Somerville, we raise a flag to remember those who’ve been enslaved, but also to prevent others from being enslaved knowingly or unknowingly in modern day America.

On June 18, 2024, the day before the federal holiday, community members attended a flag-raising ceremony held by the Department of Racial & Social Justice at City Hall to commemorate the second annual Somerville Juneteenth. Some 50 constituents convened under a tent at 11 a.m. to witness youth, local leaders and activists deliver remarks.

“Juneteenth is a holiday unlike any other in our country, marking the end of one of the darkest chapters in American history and the beginning of a long and ongoing journey towards equality,” said Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne.

While President Joe Biden signed the bill into law making Juneteenth the 12th federal holiday back on June 18, 2021, the history goes all the way back to June 19, 1865, when the Civil War ended, which actually makes this the 159th Juneteenth Jubilee.

“It is a celebration of justice and freedom, a solemn remembrance of the horrors of slavery and a poignant reminder of the arduous struggle African Americans have endured,” Mayor Ballantyne said.

The red, white and blue flag with a bursting star in the middle of the banner is a powerful symbol of freedom for African Americans, and anyone who has been enslaved.

“We must continue to work to build an inclusive and just Somerville,” Mayor Ballantyne added. “This means addressing systematic inequalities that persist in our institutions.”

The jubilee began with African drummers Akil Haynes and Joh Camara from The Art of Black Dance & Music organization playing hand drums, which symbolize the freedom that was once lost and the struggle to regain it over time. 

“My hope is that the Juneteenth flag, waiving above City Hall, serves as a catalyst that renews our dedication to the ongoing journey toward a fairer and more inclusive world,” Mayor Ballantyne said.

Following remarks from Mayor Ballantyne, Somerville City Councilor At-Large Willie Burnley Jr said: “These days are meant to remind us…that none of us are free until we all are free.”

Halfway through the ceremony the flag was hoisted by Racial and Social Justice youth league member Marcus Odilon, while the Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing, played aloud. Attendees sang along from the lyrics on the backside of the program of events.

“The ceremony recognizing Juneteenth that we gathered here for today as well as the celebrations around the country signify a purposeful effort to bring awareness to the impact of long-lasting racism in America,” Odilion said.

The flag flies proudly above City Hall, symbolizing the City’s commitment to confronting the past and acknowledging the injustices that have shaped America’s history and continue to affect the present.

The first step to improving the future, Odilon added, is to realize what flaws exist. 

Marica Narh-Botchway, another racial and social justice youth league member, spoke after the flag had been hoisted.

“Juneteenth is part of the start of recognizing and acknowledging the celebration of the African American people’s sacrifices, culture and freedom from bondage,” Narh-Botchway said.

Founder of Art of Black Dance and Music, Inc. De Ama Battle has sought to unify people of African American descent through the study of African-rooted dance, music and folklore to highlight cultural similarities within the African diaspora.

“We have chosen the arts as an educational tool to reach our children and their families,” Battle said. “Through the art of black dance and music we have been able to explain how the differences are yet commonalities in us as people.”

The event ended with another drumming performance.

“The drum is the language that will incorporate, or at least dictate the movement,” Battle said.

Many thanks to Coordinator Amanda Nagim-Williams, Project Specialist Elijah Booker, Commissions Coordinator Latoya Saulters and Public Information Officer Brooks Haakon from The Department of Racial and Social Justice.

“It was an honor to again commemorate Juneteenth with the Somerville community this past week.” shared Amanda Nagim-Williams, RSJ Coordinator. “It was a special opportunity to gather as one to commemorate the history and celebrate the triumph of Black Americans. I want to especially thank the folks who presented at the Juneteenth flag raising including Somerville Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor At-Large Willie Burnley, RSJ Youth League members Marcia Narh-Botchway and Marcus Odilon, and DeAma Battle, Akil Haynes, and Joh Camara from Somerville’s very own Art of Black Dance and Music.”