Violist Kennedy Dixon and Azhaneet Blackwell, Constance Hurtt, and Dana Steele, directors of the Trenton Children's Chorus, stand by as Councilmember Leticia Fraga welcomes the assembled crowd, gathered to watch the inaugural Juneteenth flag raising by the Municipality of Princeton.

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Multiple officials of the Municipality of Princeton and a large, diverse group of community members gathered on Monday, June 19 at 1 Monument Hall for Princeton’s inaugural Juneteenth Flag Raising ceremony honoring the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans and celebrating Black culture.

Councilmember Leticia Fraga welcomed all as master of ceremony, and introduced keynote speaker Councilman Leighton Newlin. His words reminded attendees of the importance of recognizing the long and difficult journey to freedom, and the resilience and courage of those who fought for it.

Councilman Newlin said, “Juneteenth, therefore, represents not just the celebration of a single day but the triumph of a collective movement for human dignity and equality. It stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a people who endured unimaginable hardships and emerged with their heads held high, ready to forge a new path toward a more inclusive and just society.”

The assembled crowd wore Juneteenth wristbands and sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Music was provided by the Municipality’s Juneteenth partner, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, who arranged for violist Kennedy Dixon to accompany singers Azhaneet Blackwell, Constance Hurtt, and Dana Steele, directors of the Trenton Children's Chorus, as they led attendees in the singing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Chair of the Civil Rights Commission Fern Spruill spoke briefly before joining Councilman Newlin and Larry Spruill, member of the Human Services Commission, in raising the Juneteenth flag. Administrator Bernard Hvozdovic Jr. offered closing remarks and confirmed that the Municipality of Princeton would make the Juneteenth flag raising an annual event.

Among the attendees were Mayor Mark Freda, Council President Mia Sacks, Councilmember Eve Niedergang, and Councilmember Michelle Pirone Lambros.

Councilman Leighton Newlin joined Larry Spruill, member of the Human Services Commission, and Fern Spruill, Chair of the Civil Rights Commission, in raising the first ever Juneteenth flag to ascend the flagpole at Monument Hall.

The Princeton flag raising was the first in a series of events programmed in tandem with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Princeton Festival in celebration of Juneteenth. The Festival’s “Beyond Freedom” exhibit, curated by Arts Against Racism founder Rhinold Lamar Ponder, opened later in the afternoon at Morven Museum & Garden’s Stockton Education Center, followed by an evening performance of songs by Black composers sung by Met Opera star Will Liverman in the Festival’s performance pavilion.

The Princeton Festival is the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s flagship summer program showcasing the performing arts. Founded in 2004, the Princeton Festival quickly established a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming. Every year in June, thousands of people from the mid-Atlantic region and beyond come to the Festival to enjoy the quality and variety of its programs. Offerings include opera, musical theater, dance, orchestra and chamber music, and a constantly evolving selection of other genres, including jazz, world music, choral concerts, and country music. The Festival has long-standing partnerships with public libraries and local churches, and promotes life-long learning in the arts through free educational lectures presented to a wide and diverse community.

Administrator Bernard Hvozdovic Jr., Larry Spruill, member of the Human Services Commission, Fern Spruill, Chair of the Civil Rights Commission, and Councilman Leighton Newlin immediately after the Municipality of Princeton’s inaugural Juneteenth flag raising at Monument Hall.

PHOTOS CREDIT: Princeton Symphony Orchestra Staff