Boston Juneteenth celebration: flag-raising, Roxbury parade

Massachusetts AG Andrea Campbell and poet Tongo Eisen-Martin speak at Juneteenth celebration. Miss Juneteenth Choice McCarty leads parade in Boston.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, the groundbreaking first woman of color to be elected to that esteemed position, delivered a powerful speech at the ceremony. Joining her on stage was San Francisco's esteemed poet laureate, Tongo Eisen-Martin.

The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment Company A, a dedicated Civil War reenactment group, played a crucial role in the event by assisting in the raising of the flag. Among the passionate reenactors was Dane Elliott-Lewis, who donned the heavy attire of Civil War soldiers, despite the scorching heat.

The sweltering conditions were a small sacrifice for Elliott-Lewis and his fellow reenactors as they paid tribute to the brave soldiers of the 54th Regiment. This historic regiment was the first to be comprised of African Americans from the North during the Civil War.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Elliott-Lewis emphasized the importance of honoring the events of Juneteenth. This day marks the emancipation of enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. It is a time for descendants of enslaved individuals and their allies to come together in celebration through homecomings, parades, and various activities.

While Juneteenth has long been celebrated in Texas, it was only recently recognized as a federal holiday, thanks to President Biden signing it into law in 2021. Since then, communities across the nation have embraced the holiday with parades, cookouts, and other festive gatherings.

Euronna Taylor, a dedicated member of the Juneteenth committee, shared that she had not learned about the holiday during her school years. It was only through the efforts of committee chairwoman Jumaada Abdal-Khallaq Henry Smith, who presented at the Roxbury branch of the Boston Public Library, that Taylor was introduced to the holiday's rich history.

Taylor's passion for Juneteenth grew, leading her to join the parade planning committee two years ago. She was moved by the sight of people from all walks of life coming together to embrace and share the history of the holiday.

As the flag-raising ceremony concluded, participants eagerly prepared to join the parade. Banners from various organizations, including the Roxbury Roots Montessori School and the Boston chapter of Black Girls Run, were proudly displayed.

Some parade participants rode in cars, including Miss Juneteenth, Choice McCarty, who waved from the hood of a red convertible. McCarty, adorned in a stunning black gown and a striking red-gemmed necklace, embodied the colors of the African American flag.

The parade featured a majorette dance troop that captivated the crowd with their energetic performances. Their enthusiasm was matched by a mobile steel drum group that followed closely behind.

As the parade wound its way through Roxbury, residents lined the streets, waving Juneteenth flags and capturing the moment with photographs. The procession culminated at the Museum of the National Center for Afro-American Artists, where attendees enjoyed a variety of booths selling everything from books to jerk chicken.

Roger Hamlet, deputy superintendent at Boston Emergency Medical Services, noted the absence of ambulance calls during the event. He attributed this success to the safety measures in place, such as misting tents and readily available water, which helped participants stay cool and hydrated.

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