Buffalo raises Pan-African flag for emancipation commemoration

BUFFALO, N.Y. — City leaders came together Friday afternoon to raise the Pan-African flag, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans.

Leaders outside of Buffalo City Hall said the Juneteenth holiday is a time for reflection, celebration, and unity.

“We will never stop screaming about freedom, because freedom is fought for. It is not free,” Buffalo Common Council member Zeneta Everhart said Friday during the ceremony.

“Many people have died so that I can stand here today, so that I can speak to you, so that me and my son can have a book club. People have died so that I can be a council member, and we have to remember that.”

The city’s annual Juneteenth festival is happening next weekend at MLK Park.

This year’s Juneteenth Festival will start with the Juneteenth Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. The parade kicks off at Genesee and Ivy streets and continues down Genesee Street to Fillmore Ave and MLK Park.

The festival activities include arts and cultural displays and performances, a health and wellness pavilion, historical tours and education programs, a vendors market, food, and much more.

Channel 2 is a proud sponsor of the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, which is entering its 50th year.

“As we approach this historic weekend, we will not forget the deep roots in Buffalo — born from the efforts of dedicated community leaders, artists, and activists who saw the importance of commemorating Juneteenth not just as a moment in history but as a living, evolving testament to Black excellence and unity,” Juneteenth leaders said on their website.