June 4, 2026 By Carol Britton Meyer
A proclamation read by the select board this week declares June 19 as “Juneteenth Independence Day” in Hingham in recognition of the historical significance of Emancipation Day.
The first Juneteenth celebration was held in Texas in 1866. Since then, Juneteenth has been celebrated in communities across the United States, providing an opportunity to mark the emancipation of enslaved people. June 19 is designated a state holiday in Massachusetts and a federal holiday in the United States.
“Whereas, on this day, in hundreds of communities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, and religions join hands to acknowledge the painful history and lasting, systemic impact of slavery and racial injustice in the United States, Juneteenth is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the goal of creating a more equal and just society, an effort that continues today,” the proclamation states.
In signing the proclamation, the board urged members of the community to recognize and observe the Juneteenth holiday.