The City of Jersey City, Office of Municipal Council and Office of Cultural Affairs were proud to recognize the Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration and The National Juneteenth Observation Foundation on the 157th Anniversary of Juneteenth Freedom Day during the Flag Raising Ceremony on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
Juneteenth also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day – is one of the oldest known celebrations commemorating the end of slavery in the United States as well as a tradition in the African-American culture since its beginning in 1865 at Galveston, Texas.
The Civil Rights Movement saw a resurgence in the Juneteenth Celebrations as the African American community joined together in the struggle for racial equality, bringing on increased patriotism and a sense of pride as they associated with the historical struggles of their ancestors. The Modern Juneteenth Movement in 1994 began with the gathering of Juneteenth leaders at the Christian Unity Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Soon after, numerous Juneteenth organizations were formed, such as the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, which was founded by Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Flag.
A joint resolution in 1997 by Congress commemorating officially Juneteenth Independence Day in the United States. It was recognized as a national celebration by 43 states including the District of Columbia as of 2014. The National Juneteenth Flag, colored with red, white and blue, represents a star of Texas bursting with new found freedom over a new horizon, symbolizing American freedom, and the history of the African American community.
The City of Jersey City on this day and members of the African American community will proudly display the flags of the United States and the National Juneteenth Flag high above City Hall in recognition of our freedom and cherished cultural diversity here in Jersey City.
Attendees:
Pat Baldon, Veteran Honoree
Pam Andes, Aide to Councilman Boggiano
Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, Ward B
Elijah Anderson, Veteran Honoree
Mofalc Olei Meinga, Fredrick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
Chery Murphy, Fredrick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
Council President Joyce E. Watterman
Jeff Dublin, Office of the Hudson County Resistor
Councilman Frank E. Gilmore, Ward F
Floyd Jeter, Director of Diversity and Inclusion City of Jersey City
Jonathan Gomes-Noriega, Aide to Mayor Steven M. Fulop
Councilwoman Denise Ridley, Ward A
TO VIEW THIS FLAG RAISING PLEASE,