Muskegon approves Juneteenth, Pride flags to fly in June

MUSKEGON, MI – The city of Muskegon recognized two holidays that will be celebrated during the month of June.

The Juneteenth and Pride flags were unanimously approved to fly at specified times at Muskegon City Hall in June by city commissioners on Tuesday, May 27.

Two resolutions recognizing the respective holidays were also approved.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, recognizes the date slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom in 1865 – more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which legally freed slaves on Jan. 1, 1863.

The traditional red, white and blue Juneteenth flag will be flown from June 16-23 at Muskegon City Hall, 933 Terrace, and Hackley Park.

Commissioner Willie German read the resolution aloud and advocated for the flag to fly for a week, rather than a couple days, as initially suggested.

“As we move forward, to make our community aware, more inclusive and see that city of Muskegon has taken every initiative to educate the community,” German said. “And those who don’t know the history and wish the history has been taken out of the textbooks and now banned by this administration in office now – I think it’s perfect that we fly the flag.”

Commissioner Katrina Kochin said she supported the motion because “everyone’s voice matters.”

“It is important that we celebrate our citizens and this is a small way that we can do that and show people that they are safe and included,” Kochin said.

The Pride flag will be flown for other days in the month of June, except for the week of Juneteenth, for Pride Month.

Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community’s history and expression of identity.

RELATED: Growing Muskegon Pride Festival in need of 100 volunteers

“I think that now is a really important time to stand up and be firm in our support of including everyone, whomever they love, however they live, whatever their family looks like,” said Commissioner and Vice Mayor Rebecca St. Clair. “I’m really proud to be part of a community who is not afraid to stand up and be brave.”

Muskegon held its first Pride Festival in 2022.

Commissioner Willie German, who voted against this resolution last year, said he originally thought that Pride was not being inclusive by not including heterosexual individuals.

“After doing my research and talking to people from the LGBT community – and I have family members that are also part of it – I got a better insight,” German said.

Mayor KenJohnson told German he appreciated his commitment to “learning, listening and evolving.”

Johnson said that the current commission is the most diverse it’s ever been and with the first woman majority. Johnson is the first openly gay mayor of the city. He noted that he, the city manager and vice mayor all identify as LGBTQ+.

“I’m proud of this commission not shying away from DEI,” Johnson said. “It matters. It’s important. Diversity is important. Equity is important. Inclusion is incredibly important. And so, while there may be forces against such, we will hold steadfast and hold that line.”

The commission chambers were overflowing Tuesday, with about 25, or half of the room, in attendance to support the Pride resolution.

“Muskegon is stronger when we lift each other up,” said Claire Ritter, local realtor. “Our diversity of identities, experiences and perspectives isn’t something just to accept. It’s something that enriches our community. It fuels creativity, compassion, and connection.”

Resident Maggie Doyle said Pride is not political.

“It’s people,” Doyle said. “It’s kids walking home from school wondering if anyone sees them. It’s seniors who spent decades hiding who they were. It’s parents wondering if their child will grow up in a town that sees them as whole.

“And for those who worry that this opens the door to controversy, I would say, ‘What greater purpose does our city hall serve than standing up for the rights of its residents, especially those who have historically been marginalized or erased?’”

The Muskegon Pride Festival is planned for Saturday, June 7. Festivities will kick off with a 10:30 a.m. parade downtown, followed by the day-long festival at Hackley Park.

A Pride-themed garden display at city hall is being created by Commissioner Kochin and a local business owner. The garden will serve as an “expression of support, respect, and unity,” the resolution stated.

The commission meeting was briefly paused when a speaker at the podium collapsed and received medical attention from Public Safety Director Tim Kozal. The woman left on her own accord, the mayor confirmed.

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