Join Us Today for the Juneteenth Flag Raising

Dear Constituents,

I am excited to invite you the Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony happening today, Tuesday, June 4, in front of the City County Building at 12 p.m.

This event honors the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates African American freedom and achievement. In honor of this event, I would like to share with you some history about Dr. Opal Lee, who is called the Grandmother of Juneteenth for her 50 plus year journey to bring forth Juneteenth as the 11th United States holiday.  Juneteenth is Freedom Day.

Alder Juliana Bennett and I had the pleasure of joining Dr. Opal Lee, the Nobel Peace Prize Nominated Human Rights Advocate at the hanging of her portrait at the National Portrait Museum in DC. Lee, who is also my cousin, recently received the Medal of Freedom from President Biden for her work to bring forth the 11th Federal Holiday, pictured below.

During her five-decade journey and 1400 mile walk to D.C. to bring about Juneteenth, Lee came to Madison to work with and walk with the founders of the Madison Juneteenth Celebration (which is now in its 35th year) and her belated cousin, Milele Chikasa Anana, which MMSD’s Anana Elementary is named after.

In honor of Juneteenth, members of the City of Madison Common Council will join the Kujichagulia Center for the raising of the Juneteenth flag. This will take place on Tuesday 6/4 at 12pm in front of CCB. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to engage with attendees.