Honoring Juneteenth: MWRD raises flag, celebrates freedom

Recognizing Freedom Day, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) commissioners and staff raised the Juneteenth flag at its facilities to celebrate liberty, inclusion and the pursuit of justice for the diverse populations it serves across Cook County.

The MWRD raised the Juneteenth flag on June 15 at all seven of its water reclamation plants as well as their headquarters at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., Chicago.

"The flag we raise symbolizes a compass that guides us through our history to the hard-fought freedom that was promised to all Americans on June 19th, 1865, on the day now recognized as Juneteenth," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "We thank everyone for coming together to acknowledge this moment that represents the diverse communities we cover."

The MWRD Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in 2020 that would allow employees to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday for the first time. As recognition of this historic day increased around the globe, the MWRD continues to lead in recognizing the holiday and share in its meaning. From that point on, the MWRD has annually celebrated Juneteenth with flag raisings that recognize the holiday's meaning and prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in meeting the MWRD's mission of protecting water quality and managing stormwater for 5.19 million residents living in Chicago and 128 neighboring municipalities.

Juneteenth is an important milestone in American history, as it commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves. On June 19th, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas where he informed formerly enslaved African Americans that the Civil War had ended.

The Juneteenth flag holds special meaning in its symbols. The star represents freedom for every Black American and pays homage to the lone star of Texas, where the last enslaved people were freed. The burst surrounding the star represents a new beginning for all, and the arc represents a new horizon of opportunities for African Americans.

This Juneteenth in Chicago the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center will officially open to the public in Jackson Park.