The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite all residents and community members to join us in commemorating Juneteenth with a special flag-raising ceremony. The event will take place on June 19, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. on the steps of the County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth.
“Juneteenth is a day of profound reflection and celebration,” said Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Master of Ceremonies for the event. “As both a Commissioner and an educator with a deep personal connection to this day, I take pride in celebrating my ancestors’ emancipation and the enduring resilience of the African American community. Juneteenth fuels the pursuit of justice, and through this ceremony, we honor the past, empower the present, and shape a brighter future.”
The Juneteenth Flag was created in 1997 to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the citizens of Galveston, Texas were finally notified about the abolition of slavery. President Lincoln had signed the Proclamation of Emancipation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.
“As we commemorate Juneteenth, our celebration goes beyond acknowledging the historical significance of emancipation. We emphasize the ongoing journey towards justice, equality, and empowerment,” said Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort. “We envision sparking conversations that drive positive change, promote unity, and contribute to a future where every person is acknowledged, respected, and celebrated as the remarkable individual they are. I am looking forward to attending this flag raising, as well as other Juneteenth celebrations throughout our County.”
In addition to the flag raising, Commissioner Sergio Granados, alongside his fellow Commissioner Colleagues and County officials, will unveil a concept for a monument titled “In Memoriam of The 1741 Project: Honoring the Lives Lost to Slavery as well as the Struggle for Freedom,” which will be officially erected in the fall. This unveiling will feature a mock-up of the monument, symbolizing our commitment to remembering and honoring those who endured unimaginable suffering and fought for their freedom.
“The Juneteenth flag is a symbol of liberation and a reminder of the resilience of the African American community,” said Commissioner James Baker. “On Wednesday, we will raise the flag high in honor of those who fought for freedom and equality and I hope all of our residents and visitors join us.”
For more information about the Juneteenth Flag ceremony, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator Judith.Guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.