More than 100 attend Reading's Juneteenth flag raising

Jun. 17—The United States celebrates two independence days, state Rep. Manuel Guzman said.

"We have the Fourth of July, which celebrates 1776 and our break from England, but we also have June 19,1865," he said, speaking of Juneteenth.

The holiday, celebrated June 19, commemorates the freedom of enslaved people in the U.S.

Guzman was among those who spoke Friday at a Juneteenth flag raising outside City Hall.

More than 100 people gathered on the 800 block of Washington Street, mostly grouping in the shady areas on both the north and south sides.

The observance recognizes the date on which Union soldiers led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and let the enslaved people there know they were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

Those slaves were believed to be the last to get the word.

Juneteenth was made a federal holiday last year by Congress and President Joe Biden.

"We appreciate our government for doing what should have been done from the start," keynote speaker Councilman Wesley Butler said. "That goal was met, but they should not think that we are contented."

Butler, who is Black, is the youngest council member in the city's history. A Kutztown University senior, he aspires to a career in politics.

The councilman called on the city, state and federal governments to offer reparation to the descendants of enslaved people.

Such reparation could take the form of direct cash payments intended to address disparities in homeownership, health care, education and more among African Americans, he said.

"Cash payments are not the only option for reparations," he said, suggesting "free access and open admissions to public community colleges and universities, technical education, educational support programs, retroactive forgiveness of student loans and support for lifetime learning programs."

Other speakers included Stacey Taylor, president of the Reading Branch of the NAACP; U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan; state Sen. Judy Schwank; Mayor Eddie Moran; the Honorable Grover E. Koon, a retired Chester County Magisterial District Court justice; and Dr. Paige Brookins, assistant dean, Kutztown University College of Business.

Carmela M. Boykins served as emcee for the ceremony that began with a welcome by Elder Lee Wilder, assistant minister at St. James Church of God and Christ. 11 S. Ninth St.

The Rev. Yolanda Williams, pastor of Ashes to Beauty Church, a Reading-based ministry that seeks to take the church outside four walls, gave the invocation.

Annette Hines led the singing of the anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Before the flag was hoisted, Endaisha Thornton explained its symbolism.

The flag stands for freedom and justice for Black and African Americans, she said.

Its red, white and blue colors are similar to those of the U.S. flag as a reminder that African American history cannot be separated from that of the U.S. and to recognize that Black Americans were always Americans even while enslaved.

The single star on the flag is a symbol that Black people are free in all 50 states and is a reference to Texas, called the Lone Star state, where the last group of enslaved people learned they were free.

The sunburst surrounding the star represents a new horizon and the future opportunities for Black people.

Juneteenth celebrations continue during the weekend.

A community family barbecue will be held June 18 at Berks Lodge #47 from noon until 6 p.m. and will include free food, games and entertainment.

The Juneteenth celebration will conclude with a church service June 19 at Holy Trinity Church of God, 130 W. Buttonwood St., starting at 10:15 a.m. The service will be followed by a walking prayer vigil through the community calling for action against increasing violence.