On Friday, June 19, 2020, the city of Milwaukee hosted for the first time ever a special Juneteenth flag raising ceremony at the Zeidler Municipal Building, 841 N. Broadway, to commemorate Juneteenth Day being recognized as an official holiday here in Milwaukee.

“Juneteenth is Independence Day for African Americans and it is important that we celebrate and recognize the history and significance of the day and what it means for thousands of Milwaukee residents and African Americans across the country,” said Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, who suggested the flag raising ceremony and who served as its emcee.

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic canceled the Milwaukee Juneteenth Day celebration – one of the oldest and longest-running in the nation – the ceremony offered a positive way for the city and residents to mark the holiday.

Alderwoman Lewis was joined by fellow council members, community members and Mayor Tom Barrett for the ceremony.