Posted on 09 July 2021.
Juneteenth Celebration in City Hall Circle.
Endasi Lukoma gives a speech about the symbolism behind the Juneteenth Flag
Endasi Lukoma gave a speech about the symbolism behind the Juneteenth Flag which was created in 1997 by Ben Faith and Lisa Jeanne Graf. This flag commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The red, white, and blue represent the American Flag. This is a reminder that the slaves and all their descendants are all Americans.
The Star and the Arc represent the fact that all African-Americans have freedom in all 50 states. The Emancipation Proclamation was first to read and acknowledged in Galveston, Texas. Alongside the star, the outlined burst and arc represent the new horizon and new opportunities that are to come for African-Americans. (source: https://parade.com/ June 18, 2021)
The white star in the center represents Texas. In Galveston, where Union Soldiers informed the country’s last remaining slaves that the Civil War was over and they were free. (source:wfaa.com Nationworld June 18, 2021.)
City Historian John K. Dyke explained the history of Junteenth. (To read his remarks, click here.)
*Photos by Carolyn Maxwell & Chris Dyke
Click on photos in gallery below to enlarge
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Raising the flag
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Former B.A. Patricia Perkins & Former Mayor Wilda Diaz
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Rev. Amos Dickerson
St. James AME Zion Church – Closing Prayer
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Mayor Helmin Caba Presents a Proclamation to Jeanette Wilson Perry, Event Chair, Friends of PA Legacy
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Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred Scott, Middlesex County Commissioner. Chanelle Scott McCullum
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Ron Rios Middlesex County Commissioner Director
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Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez
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Artist Solange Pena Displays her Portrait of
Frederick Douglass
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Craig Coughlin
Asm. Speaker
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Dr. Danielle Brown (L)
Tahesha Way (R)
NJ Secretary of State
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Congressman
Frank Pallone
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Shelia Oliver
Lt. Governor
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Endasi Lukoma
New Jersey Orator
Perth Amboy Chapter
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John K. Dyke
City Historian
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Anna Daily
Perth Amboy
Community Leader
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Bishop Donald Hilliard
Cathedral International
Moment of Silence
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Mary Gordon
103 Years Young and Friends Enjoying the Day
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Rev. Donna Stewart
Pres. NAACP
Opening Prayer
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Jacqueline Perry
National Anthem
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Juneteenth Flag
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A large crowd attended the Junteenth ceremony