Fresno City Commemorates Juneteenth With Flag Raising Ceremony
- Serenity Kelly
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
On Friday afternoon, many gathered at Fresno City Hall for the annual Juneteenth flag raising ceremony. The program consisted of line dancers, spoken word artists, and song.
Pastor B.T. Lewis Jr. of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church and the Mayors Office of Community Affairs, says that the event is a celebration of triumph over slavery in the U.S., and a reminder that although America celebrates its 250th birthday, independence was not granted to everyone on July 4th, 1776.
"We're excited to celebrate 161 years of freedom in this country," Lewis said. "While America celebrates 250 years, we don't wan't to forget that [African Americans] have only been free in this country for 161 years."
The flag raising ceremony kicked off a three day Juneteenth weekend that will be filled with lots of festivities like live music, dancing, and local vendors.
Lewis says that this weekend is not only meant to provide fun and entertainment, but education of the history behind Juneteenth and to pass it down to the younger ones.
"It gives us an opportunity to remind our [African American] children and to pass on the history of our community," Lewis said, emphasizing the importance of passing down heritage.
"It's important that every diverse community in our city, in our nation, that we never forget where we came from."
Jerry Dyer, mayor of Fresno, shared words of encouragement and unity at the event, reminding everyone that for progress to continue, working together is the key to building a stronger city and nation.
"I believe that the greatest atrocity that we have ever experienced in our nations history, was that of Slaver," Mayor Dyer said, acknowledging the harsh history of America.
"Although we cannot go back in time to change or erase that part of our history, we can learn from it, and we can certainly vow to never repeat it...As long as we unite together, and we focus on those things we have in common, and not focus on those things that cause us to divide, like our differences, that is the heart of one Fresno."
Lewis says that this ceremony embodies everything that this weekend is all about, celebrating the present, while still remembering the past.
"It really just initializes everything that we're going to do this weekend, and we'll be over at Les Kimber Park, celebrating our history, celebrating our freedom, and looking forward to what this country has to offer us in the future."
Juneteenth commemorates the abolishment of slavery in Americas dark history. While the past did not always include "all" in "justice for all", Lewis reminds everyone of the progress made and the blessing of living in America today.
"America is still the place that you can live in, and achieve greatness," Lewis said. "We have to figure out how to open some of the doors.
"Some doors are open, Some doors are more difficult to open, but nevertheless...when you visit other countries, there are places where people would die for the opportunity to live in, even now, this America."
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