Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus to Raise Black Liberation Flag to Commemorate Juneteenth Holiday

In commemoration of the Juneteenth holiday, also known as Freedom Day, Members of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, led by Assemblymember Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont), and Senator Cordell Cleare (D-Harlem) gathered at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building to raise the Black Liberation Flag. This holiday is considered the longest-running African-American holiday and has been called America's second Independence Day.

“On Juneteenth, we reflected on the resilience and sacrifice of the millions of Black Americans who were enslaved in this country, while recognizing the work that remains to build the equitable future they envisioned. The Caucus’s commitment to freedom, equality, and justice advanced the fight for opportunity and dignity for all New Yorkers. I thanked State Senator Cleare and her team for organizing this meaningful ceremony.” Said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. 

"As we gathered together for Juneteenth in the year 2026, the Black community honors overcoming adversity, at the same time as we navigate new and established institutional racialized obstacles. We must fiercely protect our victories and triumphs.  We embrace those who came before us, and those who enabled us to be able to do the work that we must do now." Said State Senator Cordell Cleare.

“Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It is a reminder that America has always been challenged to live up to the promises it made on paper. The freedom or the recognized freedom of formerly enslaved Africans marked a step toward realizing the belief that all people are created equal, but the work did not end there.” Said Assemblyman Al Taylor.