Outside the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs on Friday morning a large crowd gathered to witness the raising of the Juneteenth flag. The annual ceremony marks the start of a long weekend of events to celebrate the federal holiday that honors June 19, 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Tex., to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, two years after it was put in place.
The flag raising was hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, and as it made its way up the flagpole a child in the crowd interrupted the applause to point out a rainbow that had appeared in the sky.
Ashley Williams helped raise the flag alongside her husband and their two children. Ms. Williams had attended the first ceremony in 2021, just after Juneteenth became a federal holiday, signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Ms. Williams said she was one of about 15 people who attended the event in 2021, and she reflected on how special it was to celebrate with such a large crowd this year.
“Seeing so many people of color come out, and celebrating people who are inspired by the cause is really exciting and energizing,” she said.
Phyllis Anderson traveled from Maryland with eight other women from her social group, Two Rivers Black Golden Singles, to celebrate Juneteenth and attend the events this weekend.
“It’s really an honor. I am so proud that they actually did something to celebrate Juneteenth. It’s really special, it’s important and it’s historical,” Ms. Anderson said.
Dr. Lorna Andrade spoke to the crowd about being part of The Cottagers, Inc., a philanthropic organization of African American female homeowners in Oak Bluffs that is celebrating its 70th anniversary this summer.
Standing at the microphone with her blue walker parked nearby, Dr. Andrade talked about faith and action, encouraging audience participation.
“I want you all to remember to organize, and in your churches have a civic altar call; faith without work is dead. I want you all to say with me ‘Here I am, I stand, and we shall overcome.’”
Erik Burton was in the crowd listening as his son sat on his shoulders waving a small Juneteenth flag. Mr. Burton said he felt it was important to bring his children to events like these.
“Now reminds us that our freedoms are still at risk, they are still at play, they are still being negotiated,” he said. “So you have to kind of understand where we come from so we can continue to make more progress. It’s essential for my kids to see it and ask questions about it.”
Shawn Ramoutar, president of the Martha’s Vineyard NAACP branch, also spoke of the importance of progress and future generations, especially here on the Island.
“To raise another flag is not just symbolic, it is a public declaration,” he said. “It says that Black history is American history. It says that freedom belongs to all people. It says that we honor the past, but we are also responsible for the future. So as we raise this flag today, let us recommit ourselves to the unfinished work of freedom.”
For a list of Juneteenth events, visit vineyardgazette.com/juneteenth.
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