KINGSTON, N.Y. – The City of Kingston is marking this year’s Juneteenth celebration in a new and meaningful way by installing official Juneteenth flags along Broadway in Midtown. The initiative symbolizes both remembrance and progress as the city pays tribute to African American history and resilience.
Mayor Steven Noble announced the new flag display as a proud milestone for the city, emphasizing the importance of honoring Juneteenth not just as a historical event, but as a call to action for equity and justice.
“We are proud to celebrate Juneteenth with these flags for the first time,” said Mayor Noble. “It’s a tribute to the past and a commitment to building a brighter, more equitable future.”
Leaders Highlight Importance of the Display
The flags were coordinated by Alderwoman Jeanne Edwards, who worked alongside the city’s public works department to bring the project to life. For Edwards, the gesture is deeply personal and symbolic.
“Raising these flags is the beginning of healing,” she said. “It’s about renewing our commitment to recognize what our enslaved brothers and sisters went through. As Michelle Obama once said, ‘our story is one of progress.’ These flags represent progress for our community.”
A History of Struggle and a Celebration of Progress
Kitt Potter, the city’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs, reflected on the painful legacy of slavery in the region. She noted that Kingston and Ulster County were historically among the most brutal areas for enslaved people, a fact that continues to come to light through archival research.
“As we approach the 400th anniversary of the first slave ships entering New York, and the 200th anniversary of emancipation in the state, we must continue confronting this truth,” Potter said. “Juneteenth reminds us of the victories won and the work still ahead.”
Potter also praised Harambee Kingston, the local organization that has hosted the city’s Juneteenth events for the past decade, calling it the embodiment of unity and community spirit.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It marks the official end of slavery in the United States and has grown into a celebration of Black freedom, culture, and progress.
Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, became an official New York State holiday in 2020, and was declared a City of Kingston holiday in 2022.
The new flag display in Kingston stands as a visible commitment to remembering history while striving for justice and unity. As the city honors Juneteenth, it also recommits to making space for every voice and story in its diverse community.
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