SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- On Friday, state and city officials joined on the steps of Springfield City Hall for the city’s annual Juneteenth commemoration and Flag Raising.

The event began with a flag raising at 11 a.m., followed by a special musical celebration with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

Starting at noon in Center Court at Tower Square, a celebration took place including live music, food, and local businesses. The Freedom Concert was held at three p.m., with the event ending at six.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States, commemorating the historic day in 1865 when the last remaining enslaved African Americans were informed of their freedom; two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth is both a celebration and a call to remember the ongoing work toward equity and justice.

State Representative Bud Williams said in a statement, “There are many parts of our country where our Black history, African American history is actively being distorted and even removed when instead it should be recognized, studied, and celebrated. We were persistent in securing Juneteenth as an official holiday, and we must come together to acknowledge and celebrate this significant history.”

On Saturday, The Brethren Community Foundation presented Scholarship and Community Service Awards to community members at Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center. The ceremony ran from noon until three p.m.

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