Delaware County Raises Juneteenth Flag in Rose Tree Park

Released: June 15, 2023

Delaware County Council was proud to join District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Chief Administrative Officer Marc Woolley, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre, the County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Lauren Footman, and other County leaders to raise the Juneteenth flag in Rose Tree Park in Media on June 15.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States and it’s important that communities celebrate the day.

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, which had legally freed slaves on January 1, 1863, almost 2½ years earlier. Many slaves, particularly in Texas and other southwestern states were not informed of the Emancipation Proclamation until General Granger’s announcement.

In 1980, Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a holiday. Since then, most other states, including Pennsylvania have declared Juneteenth a state holiday. In 2019, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Act 9, formerly House Bill 619, which designates June 19 as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” in Pennsylvania.

Juneteenth serves as a day for residents to celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States and an opportunity for our entire community to learn more about African American history, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences that have shaped African Americans and our Country. As residents see the flag soaring in the wind—our hope is that it’s a reminder and reflection of what we have struggled through and what we have achieved as a nation. It also reminds us of the work that still needs to be done.

The Juneteenth flag will be raised at the Delaware County Courthouse and Government Center, as well as at Rose Tree Park, which will be the site of the County’s second annual Juneteenth Celebration being held from 4:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19. The celebration, hosted by the County, will feature a headline performance by Philly Gumbo, as well as artistic performances from local students. The celebration will also showcase some of Delaware County’s local business owners selling artwork, jewelry, crafts and more, various food trucks, and resources from local organizations across the county. The event is free for residents of all ages and will be held rain or shine.

More information on the County’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration can be found here: https://www.juneteenthdelco.com/