FROM THE LEFT: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Janey David, Jamie Wilson, Wendy Joseph, Keshawn Little, Terry Carter, Joe Phillips, Michael Phillips (in front), Andre Bennette, Lily Martin and Mayor Paul Brodeur. (Neil Zolot Photo)
By NEIL ZOLOT
MELROSE – The city marked Juneteenth with an evening ceremony and flag-raising at City Hall, Friday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m., a few days before the June 19 holiday.
Joe Phillips, chair of the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force and Human Rights Commission member, said Juneteenth, which commemorates slaves in Texas being informed of their freedom in 1866, three years after the Emancipation Proclamation, “is something that should be celebrated by all. It’s not just African-American history, but American history and an acknowledgement of members of the community in Diaspora. Acceptance can be looked at in different ways. It can be grudgingly or willingly. It’s the work of the willing to make it acceptable and teachable.”
He and his son Michael raised the Juneteenth flag outside the Essex Street entrance to City Hall.
“This holiday commemorates the delay,” Keshawn Little of the North Shore Juneteenth Association added. “Many slaveholders made sure their slaves did not know about their freedom. Years of slavery determined the DNA of the country. We are here not only to celebrate the freedom of black Americans, but to acknowledge who we are. Everyone has the right to the pursuit of happiness. We were denied the pursuit of happiness, yet here we are navigating systemic oppression. Juneteenth has a message of freedom and hope. Freedom and hope is what black Americans held onto. Let us celebrate how far we’ve come, but not lose sight of how far we have to go. Enjoy freedom,but remember the work ahead. Our goal is to educate people about Juneteenth and how we can move forward. The beauty of America is its diversity. The problem is when we don’t embrace it.”
During his remarks he asked the audience,” May I proceed?” numerous times, to which they answered, “Yes indeed.”
Mayor Paul Brodeur feels the ceremony and speeches given will “educate the community about this important holiday. This community, like many, has a choice to make. Racism and inequality are real. You can be comfortable and hope the problem goes away or can address it, knowing it will make people uncomfortable. We cannot make progress unless we are prepared to make some people uncomfortable.
“Juneteenth is a uniquely American holiday. It serves to commemorate our history, both good and bad, our freedom and aspirations of freedom. We acknowledge the continued impact of slavery in the American community and will work to eliminate systemic racism in our policies. That is what we continue to strive for. We intend to create programs and events that include visibility and inclusivity of black and brown communities, which are growing in Melrose.”
“Juneteenth is about hope and challenging ourselves to be better,” City Council president Jen Grigoraitis added. “We want to live up to our ideals. We need to collectively acknowledge our entire history and learn from it.”
CLOCKWISE FRM TOP LEFT are Keshawn Little, Terry Carter, Janey David and Wendy Joseph. (Neil Zolot Photo)
Reverend Andre Bennette of Lynn delivered a fiery speech about the past and ongoing struggle of African-American for equal treatment. “We built an empire we weren’t allowed to participate in,” he said. “Here we are in 2023 and we’re still not free. You can drive through Melrose and feel comfortable. If I do, at certain times I will get pulled over. It’s happened. When I get pulled over I’m addressed as ‘boy.’ ”
He also pointed out Melrose has no people of color on its City Council or School Committee.
The ceremony also included Janey David of the North Shore Juneteenth Association singing Lift Every Voice and Sing and poet Terry Carter reading his own Juneteenth Journey. “Black history is embedded in American history; it’s important people be aware of that,” she said. “Juneteenth gives every American the opportunity to learn, even black people who may not know about it. When I was young learning American history, slavery wasn’t a topic focused on too deeply.”
“Heed the story and learn the facts,” Carter said in his poem. “The curse of race still finds a way to poison minds. Hug your neighbor and shake a hand as freedom rings throughout the land.”
“To build a more equitable society we have to face our history truthfully and educate ourselves and our children about discrimination,” said State Senator Jason Lewis said. “Centuries of racial discrimination and exploitation have resulted in discrimination in all parts of society. White supremacy is embedded in our institutions. There are differences in life expectancy and the median net worth of families. We need positive policies at the municipal, state and federal level that address injustice and hold leaders to account.”
He also suggested society “engage in a serious conversation about reparations at local, state and national levels. I urge us to begin this process now.”
State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian recalled not knowing about Juneteenth despite having grown up and worked in areas with high African-American populations, Richmond, Virginia and Atlanta. “I can’t remember a single lesson or project on Juneteenth,” she said of her days as a student in Richmond and a teacher in Atlanta. “This is a day that should be celebrated by everyone. It wasn’t part of my vocabulary, but now all children will know about Juneteenth and all teachers will be able to teach about it. I’m proud to represent a city that has made this a vibrant celebration. Let’s take this opportunity to engage in critical conversations. Juneteenth is a symbol of our nation’s ongoing struggle to live up to the ideals on which it was founded. It is our responsibility to make Juneteenth actable.”
The ceremony ended with Salem State University history professor Jamie Wilson recounting the history of slavery and civil rights. “We, as a nation, don’t like tough history,” he said. “As an issue, slavery is difficult for us, but our freedoms today are inextricably linked to slavery.”
