A New Flag, An Old Fight: The Rise of Juneteenth in Roxbury (2020–2025)

In 2020, amid a national reckoning with racial injustice and a global health crisis, Roxbury became the backdrop for a historic and culturally transformative event: the first official Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony in Boston’s Black cultural district, Nubian Square. Spearheaded by the Mass Juneteenth Council of America, this event featured leadership from Dr. Ali ABY Muhammed and cultural guidance from Dr. Edmund Barry Gaither, curator of the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) Museum.

This event honored Juneteenth—the historic day of June 19, 1865—as an enduring symbol of resistance, resilience, and cultural pride. Dr. Ali ABY Muhammed managed logistical planning, coordinating city permits, transportation, health protocols, and community engagement, while Dr. Barry Edmund Gaither provided cultural and historical framing. The ceremony featured the raising of the Juneteenth flag, local youth performances, and a commemorative march honoring the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Infantry, connecting local history with broader national freedom struggles.

Timeline of Juneteenth Developments and Community Projects in Roxbury and Massachusetts (2020–2025)

2020 – "The Awakening"

• Establishment of Massachusetts Juneteenth Council of America.

• First Juneteenth Flag Raising in Roxbury coordinated by Dr. Ali ABY Muhammed and Dr. Barry E. Gaither.

• 54th Regiment reenactment and inaugural Juneteenth Parade in Nubian Square.

• Initial collaboration with City of Boston.

2021 – "From Symbol to System"

• Federal recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday.

• Implementation of Juneteenth education curriculum in Boston Public Schools.

• Council expands to Springfield, Cambridge, and Brockton.

• NCAAA Museum hosts "Freedom Threads" exhibit highlighting Black cultural fashion and resistance.

2022 – "Institutional Growth"

• Formalized annual partnership between Mass Juneteenth Council and City of Boston.

• Significant increase in parade participation.

• Launch of "Juneteenth Youth Fellows" civic engagement initiative.

• NCAAA Museum public lectures on Afro-American arts and liberation history.

• Introduction of City of Roxbury Tours merchandise and branding efforts to support economic revitalization.

2023 – "Legacy Building"

• Juneteenth declared an official city holiday by Boston.

• Approval of design for Juneteenth Heritage Monument in Franklin Park.

• Compilation of oral histories from Boston’s Black elders initiated by the Council.

• Collaboration with GBH and Bay State Banner to produce a documentary on the initial Flag Raising.

• Expansion of Juneteenth-themed merchandise including collegiate rings and apparel, creating a collectible product line highlighting Roxbury’s heritage.

2024 – "Statewide Reach"

• Hosting of the first statewide Juneteenth Summit in Worcester, MA.

• Recognition of Dr. Muhammed by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

• Strategic partnerships developed with educational institutions and political leaders.

• Introduction of additional heritage-focused merchandise such as scarves, lapel pins, and culturally significant apparel.

2025 – "The Jubilee Year" 15th Annual

• 5-Year Anniversary Flag Raising and parade celebration.

• Phase I unveiling of Juneteenth Heritage Monument.

• Symposium co-hosted by NCAAA and Massachusetts Juneteenth Council of America.

• Launch of a National Advisory Board for further Juneteenth expansion.

• Participation of state and federal dignitaries, marking the largest celebration to date.

• Enhanced community marketing and digital presence through initiatives such as social media campaigns and interactive community events.

Media and Community Engagement:

The Boston Juneteenth Committee has actively promoted Juneteenth celebrations through various online platforms, sharing event flyers and promotional materials to engage the community. Notable examples include vibrant flyers for the 15th Annual Juneteenth Emancipation Observance, detailing events such as flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances. These materials are accessible through the Committee's official social media channels and event listings.

The Committee maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, to disseminate information and foster community participation in Juneteenth events. They also utilize Eventbrite for event registrations and Bonfire for merchandise sales, supporting their initiatives and commemorating the celebrations.

Conclusion:

What began in 2020 as a grassroots movement rapidly evolved into a significant cultural phenomenon by 2025. Driven by the leadership of Dr. Ali ABY Muhammed, the cultural expertise of Dr. Edmund Barry Gaither, and the dedicated organizing of the Mass Juneteenth Council of America, Juneteenth in Roxbury has become a multifaceted event promoting historical awareness, community engagement, educational enrichment, and economic opportunity. This transformation has established Roxbury as a model for reclaiming history and honoring cultural legacies through community-driven initiatives.

References

• City of Roxbury Tours. (2025). A new flag, an old fight: The rise of Juneteenth in Roxbury (2020–2025). City of Roxbury Cultural Documentation Series.

• Boston Juneteenth Committee. (n.d.). Facebook Page. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/bostonjuneteenthcommittee/

• Boston Juneteenth Committee. (n.d.). Instagram Profile. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/massjuneteenthcouncil/

• Boston Juneteenth Committee & National Center of Afro-American Artists. (n.d.). Eventbrite Organizer Profile. Retrieved from https://www.eventbrite.com/o/boston-juneteenth-committee-national-center-of-afro-american-artists-48604273863

• Bonfire. (2024). Boston Juneteenth Emancipation Observance 2024 Merchandise. Retrieved from https://www.bonfire.com/boston-juneteenth-emancipation-observance-2024/

This comprehensive report serves as a foundational document for understanding the development and impact of Juneteenth celebrations in Roxbury and can be further expanded into a full-length publication to preserve and share this significant cultural history.