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Special to The Advocate
The City of Malden hosted its seventh annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration at the Ferryway School with over 400 community members and guests in attendance. Following a moving rendition of the “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – the Black National Anthem – by singer/songwriter Lydia Harrell, Mayor Gary Christenson issued a proclamation in honor of the day. Community members gathered to enjoy the entertaining and inspiring program, which included speakers, poets, singers and dancers.
Event Emcee Erga Pierrette announced two very special upcoming events: the dedication of the Black Soldiers of the American Revolutionary War Monument at Bell Rock Cemetery taking place on Malden Declaration Day on June 28 at 5 p.m., and the soon to be installed John T. Jackson Square memorial plaque in honor of Jackson. He, along with his wife, Araminta, were born enslaved in Athens, Georgia, and moved to Malden for a better life and opportunities for their 13 children. He became a master tailor and was the father of Malden’s first African American City Councillor, Herbert Jackson. The plaque will be located on Route 60 and Ferry Street.
Juneteenth, which is also known as Emancipation Day, honors the history, legacy and culture of African Americans. It commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States, dating back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the war was ended, freeing the enslaved. This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1963.
The City of Malden would especially like to recognize the event organizers and the work of Malden Juneteenth, Inc., a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers: Erga Pierrette, President; Melissa Castillo, Vice President; Rachel Sorlien, Treasurer; Marcia Manong, Director; Jessica Vasquez, Clerk; Karen Colón Hayes; Denise Vielehr; Muriel Williams; Souad Akib; Tyrone Henry, Tyrone Howe, LiVn On Beats; Bridget Mutebi; Linda Cline; Reba Danastorg; and Susi Ecker.
The Malden Juneteenth Committee is particularly grateful to Marcus Bolden, Eric Henry, Trevis Brooks, Tyrell Dortch, Assia Benelmokaddem, Terry E. Carter (Keynote Speaker), Lydia “The LovelySinger” Harrell, D. Ruff (Spoken Word Artist), Malden High School AO Step Team, The Caribbeans (Ferryway students) and Zili Misik. Vendors included Beaute Noir, Blk2 Africa, Creatively Mixed Designs, Takelia’s and Wake Up Threads. Sponsors include the City of Malden, Malden Cultural Council, Eastern Bank and Mystic Valley NAACP.
