As the Juneteenth flag rose in Montclair, residents gathered to honor Black freedom, remember the generations who fought for it, and continue their fight for equality by educating younger generations. The ceremony brought together local leaders, advocates and community members for speeches, dance performances and a public reflection on the meaning of liberation.
Speakers reflected on the Emancipation Proclamation while connecting its legacy to present-day calls for equity, civic engagement and community action. Mayor Renee E. Baskerville was joined by Congresswomen LaMonica McIver and Analilia Mejia, People’s Organization for Progress founder Larry Hamm and Montclair's 4th Ward Councilor Aminah Tohler. Local New Jersey leaders emphasized that honoring freedom also means protecting it.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: People’s Organization For Progress’ social media ambassador, Susan Saintweather, records and asks attendees how they are feeling at Montclair’s Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony on the corner of Church Street and Bloomfield Ave. Montclair residents gather to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, listen to local politicians and leaders, and watch a performance by the students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Montclair Mayor Renée Baskerville speaks to the crowd about the history of Juneteenth. Montclair residents gather to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, listen to local politicians and leaders, and watch a performance by the students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Founder of the People’s Organization for Progress, Larry Hamm, speaks about the Emancipation Proclamation of 1875. New Jersey District 11 Congresswoman Analilia Mejias stands behind him. Montclair residents gathered to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, listen to local politicians and leaders, and watch a performance by the students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: A woman raises her hands in the air in support of Larry Hamm’s speech on Bloomfield Ave in Montclair. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: People’s Organization For Progress’ social media ambassador, Susan Saintweather, records and cheers on Founder Larry Hamm at Montclair’s Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony on the corner of Church Street and Bloomfield Ave. Montclair residents gather to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, listen to local politicians and leaders, and watch a performance by the students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: United States Representative (NJ-10) Lamonica Mciver, 4th Ward Counsilor Aminah Toler, and United States Representative (NJ-11) Analilia Mejia stand side-by-side wearing African Ankara skirts provided by Syline Pateat. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: A woman records the Founder of the People’s Organization for Progress, Larry Hamm, on her phone. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company perform at Montclair’s Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on Church Street. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company perform at Montclair’s Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on Church Street. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company perform at Montclair’s Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on Church Street. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company perform at Montclair’s Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on Church Street. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: United States Representitive (NJ-11) Analilia Mejia speaks to the crowd while United States House Represenative (NJ-10) Lamonica Mciver, Montclair’s 4th Ward Councilwoman Aminah Tohler, and Founder of the People’s Organization for Progress Larry Hamm stand side-by-side. Photo by Sunah Choudhry.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Longtime Montclair residents and best friends Gloria Jean Smith and Juaeita Livienston become emotional after the Juneteenth flag raising ceremony. Montclair residents gathered to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, listen to local politicians and leaders, and watch a performance by the students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Longtime Montclair residents and best friends Gloria Jean Smith and Juaeita Livienston become emotional after the Juneteenth flag raising ceremony. Montclair residents gathered to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, listen to local politicians and leaders, and watch a performance by the students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company.
MONTCLAIR, NJ 06/19/2026 JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Montclair Firefighters replace the Pride flag with a Juneteenth flag. Montclair residents gathered to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, listen to local politicians and leaders, and watch a performance by the students from Beyond the Boogie Dance Company.
