Senator Cordell Cleare Continues Annual Juneteenth Tradition

Will Raise the Black Liberation Flag with Colleagues, for the Second Year in a Row, in front of the Harlem State Office Building 

Harlem, New York – Senator Cordell Cleare will be commemorating the Juneteenth holiday for the second year in a row, by raising the Black Liberation Flag, with members of the New York’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. Last year, the Senator, along with members of the Harlem community, stood on the plaza of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, the site of her district office, and had a small program that included music, poetry, and remarks on the significance of Juneteenth, before raising the red, black, and green striped flag. 

"Juneteenth is not just any day," said Senator Cleare. “It is the only nationally-recognized holiday that denotes freedom for African Americans from the bondage of chattel slavery that served as the foundation for the proliferation of America’s economy for over 400 years. Black people in America are still subject to gross injustice and immense disparities in housing, education, healthcare access and outcomes, and economic development which is why I was proud to co-sponsor the State Reparations Act.” 

The New York State Reparations Act which passed both the Assembly and Senate last week, would establish the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies to examine the institution of slavery and its impact on African Americans in the New York, and make recommendations on appropriate remedies. 

Juneteenth became a New York State holiday when it was signed into law in October 2020 and was first observed in June 2021. Senator Cleare, along with other members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, will raise the Black Liberation Flag at 10 am. on Monday, June 19^th, in front of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building.  

The Black Liberation Flag, also known as the Pan-African Flag consists of one red, one black, and one green, horizontal stripe and was first recognized in 1920. The red symbolizes the blood of Black people that was shed in their quest for freedom; the black symbolizes Black people as a nation; and the green symbolizes the natural abundance and resources of the continent of Africa. 

About Senator Cordell Cleare 

Senator Cleare is currently serving in her first full term from District 30, representing Central Harlem, East Harlem (El Barrio), West Harlem, Upper Westside, Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights neighborhoods. Cleare was raised in Harlem is one of only two women to hold the seat. She is currently the Chair of the Senate Committee on Aging.  

Media Contact: Theresa E. Hassler, District Director, thassler@nysenate.gov, (314)276-7691