More than 100 educators, family members and guests gathered in Worcester on Juneteenth to celebrate the holiday and reflect on the historical meaning of the event.
Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth marks the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865 — two months after the surrender of Confederate forces in the Civil War — and told Black people who had been enslaved that they were free.
The MTA Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee hosted the celebration, which was held at Quinsigamond Community College. EMAC Chair Candace Shivers, an associate professor of sociology and human services at Mount Wachusett Community College, welcomed members to the event.
It’s important that educators celebrate Juneteenth, Shivers noted.
"As educators, we are responsible to make sure the truth about our history is told," she said. "Since the MTA is a social justice union, we need to make sure all of our members know and can learn about Juneteenth."
Attendees enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs, among other fare, and danced under a tent to music provided by a deejay. There was also a range of fun activities for youngsters — including soccer, board games, and arts and crafts.
Because Juneteenth was observed this year on Father’s Day, the event included a tribute to the father figures who have played a pivotal role in children’s lives.
Sha-Asia Medina, director of The Village in Worcester, was a featured guest speaker and provided an overview of Juneteenth history. Medina urged those present to learn more about Juneteenth and about the fight for Black liberation.
Then-MTA Vice President Max Page, who was soon to become union president, described Juneteenth as "a day of celebration, education and agitation."
"This is about continuing to change the world," Page told the crowd. "On that day — June 19, 1865 — it was not a completion. That was a day of beginning of aspiration."
Page thanked EMAC members for hosting the event and said the MTA will continue to hold Juneteenth celebrations.
Outgoing MTA President Merrie Najimy said it was joyful to be with fellow MTA educators committed to racial and social justice.
The fight for racial equity is ongoing, Najimy said.
"Today is a really special day because it’s a day to celebrate liberation," Najimy said. "We have to understand liberation isn’t something that somebody gives to us. Freedom is a constant struggle."
