Lacey gears up for Juneteenth commemoration

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The City of Lacey’s Commission on Equity laid out its initial plans for the 41st Juneteenth Celebration at their May 23 meeting.

Lacey Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong said Lacey is partnering with the Fred U. Harris Masonic Lodge of Prince Hall Masons for the event scheduled on Saturday, June 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Regional Athletic Complex.

There will be presentations, games, entertainment programs and a free BBQ lunch for all community members on the said event.

“This provides a really good foundation for additional communication, education and outreach that the city can do on these heritage days and recognition days,” Kelley-Fong said.

The Commission on Equity is also eyeing to recommend to the city council to designate a time to display the Juneteenth Flag. But since the Pride Flag is also displayed every June as part of the Pride Month celebration, the commission is looking at options to address the logistical issue.

“There is a limitation of flag poles at various city facilities and flag display etiquette, this presents a logistical challenge,” Kelley-Fong raised.

The Commission is looking at these options to address the problem:

  1. Display the Pride Flag (or Progress Pride Flag) from June 1 to June 15, at all locations the City Flag is flown. Display the Juneteenth Flag from June 16 to June 30, at all locations the City Flag is flown.
  2. Display the Pride Flag (or Progress Pride Flag) on the first, second and fourth week of June, at all locations the City Flag is flown. Display the Juneteenth Flag on the third week of June at all locations the City Flag is flown. This display would align with the FUH Juneteenth event, which occurs on the third Saturday in June.
  3. Display the Juneteenth Flag at the RAC from June 1 to June 30. Display the Pride Flag (or Progress Pride Flag) from June 1 to June 30, at all other locations the City Flag is flown.
  4. Display the Pride Flag (or Progress Pride Flag) from June 1 to June 30, at City Hall. Display the Juneteenth Flag from June 1 to June 30, at City Hall. City Hall is one of the few City facilities with multiple flag poles allowing for two non-US flags to be displayed concurrently, provided they meet general flag code and etiquette.

The Commission on Equity also drafted the City Proclamation for Juneteenth that will be endorsed to and approved by the City Council. The Juneteenth Proclamation will be presented at the June 16, 2022 Lacey City Council Meeting.

Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas in 1866 as individuals celebrate freedom from slavery with community events such as parades, cookouts, prayer gatherings, musical performances, and historical-cultural readings.

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