Juneteenth flag raised at Massachusetts State House as officials urge continued work on civil rights

BOSTON — On Juneteenth, June 19, 2026, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus raised the Juneteenth flag in front of the State House and heard a string of speeches from caucus leaders, Senate President Karen Spilka, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Governor Maura Healey urging continued action on racial equality and civic engagement.

Tomas O'Brien, executive director of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, opened the program and thanked volunteers and interns before introducing elected leaders and performers. Pastor James Wade offered an opening prayer that linked remembrance of enslaved ancestors to the ongoing obligation to confront prejudice.

Several speakers framed Juneteenth as both celebration and a call to action. Representative Russell Holmes, reflecting on the caucus' history and recent losses, asked attendees to ‘‘get in this fight,’’ stressing that the work of securing freedom requires sustained civic participation. Representative Chynah Tyler urged people to review the caucus’ priority bills online and help move them toward the governor’s desk.

Senate President Karen Spilka tied the observance to Massachusetts history, noting the state’s early legal challenges to slavery and announcing that the Senate is commissioning a statue of Elizabeth ‘‘Mum Bett’’ Freeman and a bust of Frederick Douglass for display in the State House. Spilka said the legislature recently moved to rescind outdated applications for a national constitutional convention and signaled readiness to take further steps to protect rights.

Governor Maura Healey said Juneteenth ‘‘honors the generations of Black Americans whose courage, perseverance and leadership have made our country stronger,’’ and urged vigilance against efforts to roll back civil rights. ‘‘President Trump has tried to erase black Americans' role in our nation's history,’’ she said, adding that Massachusetts must reject divisive politics and recommit to inclusion and voting rights.

Senator Liz Miranda highlighted persistent economic disparities and cited a widely reported wealth gap, saying the median white family's wealth is about $245,000 compared with $8 for Black families, and urged that policy follow the data. Representative Brandy Fluker Reed framed the day as a celebration of Black excellence and urged recognition of leaders, educators and inventors whose work expanded opportunity.

The program included musical performances, a reading by inaugural poet laureate Regie Gibson and a rendition of ‘‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’’ by Kanika Smith. The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial flag raising led by Representative Holmes and a request for elected officials to gather for a group photo.

Organizers emphasized civic engagement as a next step: several speakers asked attendees to follow the caucus’ legislative priorities and to continue organizing, voting and advocating for policies aimed at narrowing racial disparities. The caucus said materials and a list of priority bills are available on its website.

The event closed with applause and a group photo on the State House steps.