MATC President Dr. Anthony Cruz opened the Juneteenth flag raising ceremony today by honoring a critical moment in American history and reaffirming the college’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion and justice. He stressed the importance of Juneteenth reminding us that freedom has never come easily. The struggle for true equality is required and continues to require courage, sacrifice and unity. “It is a day to celebrate progress, while recognizing that we still have a lot of work ahead of us.” Dr. Cruz stated. He thanked everyone for building spaces of belonging at MATC.
Kyle Hayden, representative of the Black Excellence Leadership Alliance (BELA) and Courtney Kelly, Career Hub staff and is currently serving as the committee chair for the Juneteenth parade of 2025. She addressed the flag raising as a moment of reflection, honoring our ancestors, our shared history and the strength that continues to sustain our communities. “As we stand together, we also lift up our local Juneteenth celebrations happening across Milwaukee, honoring the legacy and ongoing work that continues right here in our city.” Courtney Kelly stated.
The members talked to the crowd about what the flag represents. “The flag you see raised today carries many legos far beyond its color and ensign. The star in the center represents Texas where the last enslaved people learned of their freedom, and it also represents the freedom of Black Americans across all fifty states. The burst, like a nova surrounding the star, represents a new beginning, a new day. The arc across the flag symbolizes a new horizon and the opportunities that freedom brings.The red, white and blue reminds us that Black Americans are fully American citizens whose contributions, struggles and triumphs are central to this nation’s story. As this flag rises, we honor both the pain that was and the hope of what will still be.” Kyle Hayden stated.
Here in Milwaukee, Juneteenth holds a unique place in the city’s cultural identity. Milwaukee has hosted one of the longest running Juneteenth celebrations in the country. This year is the 54th year that the city is celebrating Juneteenth. For generations, Black milwaukeeans have gathered to share the strength of our ancestors to celebrate family, community, culture and to remind ourselves and others that freedom is not given; it is claimed, protected and nurtured. As we participate in the parade this Thursday and other celebrations this weekend, may we do so with gratitude for those who came before us, and responsibly for those who came after us.
Members of the Juneteenth planning committee and MATC staff gathered to hold and raise the Juneteenth flag as “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (also known as the Black National Anthem) by James Weldon Johnson, played during the event.
As the flag is now raised, let us pause for a moment of silence. In this moment, we honor our ancestors, those who suffered, those who preserved, and those who continue to fight for freedom in justice today.
MATC invites you to participate in Milwaukee’s Juneteenth parade and celebrate this Thursday. If you are not there physically at the parade, you can watch it live on channel 4 starting at 9 a.m. MATC will be present with faculty, staff, students and alumni. Look for us in the parade!
If you signed up for Juneteenth in advance, be sure to pick up your shirt. There will be opportunities to sign up and pick up a t-shirt tomorrow. Water, refreshments, and commemorative cookies, courtesy of “Confectionately Yours”, will be provided. The Black-owned bakery is located in Milwaukee.
Interested in BELA? It is the Black Excellence Leadership Alliance and they are an infinity group at MATC. They do a lot to indirectly support Black students as well as hold a space for Black and African American employees. They align with student engagement and community impact. This group is for employees only, but signing up for BSU is how students can stay connected.
MATC will be closed on Thursday, June 19 to honor Juneteenth day.
