CAMBRIDGE — This city, with its rich history of civil rights activism, will saw at least three public events Friday to mark Juneteenth. June 19 has long been considered by African Americans as their own Independence Day, in memory of the last former slaves in Texas learning that they were free on that date in 1865.
Demonstrations have taken place in Cambridge and around the nation following the May 25 death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. While the protests focused on police brutality around the nation directed at African Americans, they have also called for equal treatment under the law and in society.
“I have issued a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth in Maryland to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrate the triumph of the human spirit over the cruelty of slavery,” Governor Larry Hogan’s statement said. “We are reminded of heroes like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, whose legacies are permanently enshrined in the history of our state. May we continue working to realize the vision that they and so many other freedom fighters had for Maryland and for our nation.”
Events today:
• In Cambridge, there was a rally titled, “We Will Breathe” from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Cambridge Marketplace.
• At 3 p.m., a march organized by Millenials Demanding Change began at the Board of Education, moving down Glasgow, High, Pine and Muir streets to Circuit Court, finishing at Sailwinds. Guest speakers were at the stops, including the Rev. George Ames, Dion Banks and Professor of Political Science Ann Norton.
• Work continued at 6 p.m. on a “Black Lives Matter” mural being painted on the 400 block of Race Street. Local artists led by Alpha Genesis Community Development Corporation are taking part in the project.