Salt Lake City Celebrates Juneteenth with Flag Raising Amid Legislative Challenges
SALT LAKE CITY — In a tradition that underscores community values, Salt Lake City raised the Juneteenth flag on June 19, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved individuals. Mayor Erin Mendenhall affirmed, “This is not a new thing. It is something that we do as a community.” Despite concerns arising from House Bill 77, which restricts the display of flags on government property, city officials found a way to honor this significant symbol of freedom.
Betty Sawyer of the Project Success Coalition expressed apprehension regarding the bill, urging state leaders to prioritize diversity and inclusion. “We’re supposed to go forward as a state,” she remarked. In response to the new legislation, the Salt Lake City Council adopted three new city flags, ensuring the Juneteenth flag remains visible on city grounds.
Mendenhall emphasized that the celebration aligns with core American values. Community members hope that as they commemorate this pivotal moment in history, it prompts broader discussions and actions towards equity and understanding. Sawyer urged other cities in Utah to adopt similar practices, reinforcing the significance of Juneteenth as a recognized state and national holiday.
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