Special to the Record
The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) hosted their annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 11:00 am outside the Massachusetts State House. The event featured remarks from Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, and members of the MBLLC, as well as special performances from Massachusetts Inaugural Poet Laureate, Regie Gibson, vocalist Keniqua Smith, and student musicians, Tomas and Lucy Martinez Rosales, from Chelsea Public Schools.
June 19, 1865, or Juneteenth, commemorates the announcement by Union soldiers in Galveston, Texas, that enslaved people were free, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This federal holiday stands as a powerful reminder of our ongoing journey toward justice and equality for all people. Each year, the MBLLC invites the public to join its members as they raise the Juneteenth flag and celebrate the day the last enslaved people learned of their freedom. Today, the Caucus, itself one of the clearest examples of the progress made by civil rights and justice advocates over the past 160 years, brings together members who stand united in a way that once seemed impossible.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience and the generations of Black Americans whose courage and leadership have helped move our country closer to its highest ideals,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “As we honor that legacy, we also celebrate the extraordinary contributions Black leaders continue to make in our communities every day. Together, we can build a future where opportunity, dignity, and belonging are within reach for everyone.”
Beyond celebrating freedom, Juneteenth calls us to reflect on how far we have come, and how far we still must go. The Juneteenth flag now flies in front of the State House as a visible testament to the enduring strength and resilience of African American people, and a symbol of the Commonwealth’s commitment to honoring that legacy.
“As we raise this Juneteenth flag on this Freedom Day, Massachusetts is sending a clear message that we are not going back to the dark days before the civil rights movement—and that the only way forward is together,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “While the federal government seeks to take away our rights and erase our history, the Massachusetts State Senate stands ready to ensure that the generations of Black Americans who have called Massachusetts home, as well as the generations to come, truly feel they are safe, supported, and at home here. I’m proud to stand alongside colleagues in the Senate, House, and the Healey Administration who work hard to uphold the principles of truth, justice, liberty, and humanity, as called forth by Frederick Douglass, today and every day.”
Today, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus reaffirmed its role in shaping a more inclusive state and reflective legislature for all people.
“Juneteenth is a day to gather in community and commemorate the day freedom finally reached the last enslaved people in our country,” said Caucus Chair Representative Andy Vargas (D-Haverhill). “Each year, our Caucus invites the Commonwealth to celebrate Black freedom and excellence, uplift the voices leading us toward progress, and recommit ourselves to our shared responsibility of building a more just and prosperous future for all.”
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a time to honor the generations who fought for liberty. It is a day to celebrate the culture, creativity, resilience, and contributions that continue to shape our Commonwealth and our nation,” said Senator Liz Miranda (D-Roxbury). “As we recognize the courage and achievements of Black Americans, we must remain committed to building a Commonwealth where equity is not just an aspiration, but a reality. I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus as we celebrate this important day and the enduring strength of our communities.”
“Juneteenth is more than a celebration of freedom,” said Rep. Chynah Tyler (D-Roxbury). “It is a reminder that the work for justice is never finished. Freedom means more than a holiday. Freedom is having a real chance to rebuild, thrive, and contribute to our communities. As we raise this flag today, we may honor those who fought for freedom, the prison reform community, and all those who work tirelessly every day to create pathways for reentry, second chances, and opportunity. We also recognize our responsibility as legislators to continue advancing policies that strengthen individuals who are incarcerated and keep them connected with their families.”
“Juneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate not only freedom, but the extraordinary legacy of Black excellence that has shaped our Commonwealth and our nation,” said Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid (D-Mattapan). “Despite generations of barriers, Black Americans have led, created, innovated, and transformed every facet of our society – from education and business to the arts, science, and public service. As we raise the Juneteenth flag, we honor those achievements, celebrate the leaders and changemakers of today, and renew our commitment to ensuring future generations have every opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential.”
“As a Black woman, immigrant, artist, entrepreneur, and creative, Juneteenth reminds me that every stage I stand on, every dream I pursue, and every space I create was made possible by generations who refused to give up on freedom,” said vocalist Keniqua Smith.