MADISON, WI – Today, Representative Shelia Stubbs attended Governor Tony Evers’ raising of the Juneteenth flag over the Wisconsin State Capitol. Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) released the following statement: 
 
 “It was an honor to stand with Governor Tony Evers and other esteemed members of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus and the community today as we raised the Juneteenth flag over the Wisconsin State Capitol.
 
Juneteenth is a time to remember and to reflect.  Each year that I witness the Juneteenth flag being raised, I’m reminded of my ancestors and their resilience, strength, and perseverance. The raising of the flag helps keep that spirit alive. On Juneteenth, we celebrate freedom, but we must never forget that freedom is not free.
 
I would like to honor and thank Mrs. Annie Weatherby-Flowers, founder of the first annual Juneteenth celebration in Madison. Thanks to her dedication and hard work, we are able to continue gathering and raising the flag. I would also like to thank and honor Ms. Opal Lee, who is known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, and the late Dr. Reverend Ronald Myers, who was recognized as Father of the Modern-Day Juneteenth Movement.
 
Today, we had the privilege of hearing remarks from Governor Evers, who, at my request and the request of Mrs. Annie Weatherby-Flowers, first authorized the Juneteenth flag to be raised over the State Capitol in 2020 and has continued to order the raising of the flag each year.
 
We also heard from Reverend Gregory J. Armstrong, Pastor at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, who delivered the invocation, Bishop Dr. Godfrey Stubbs, Senior Pastor at End Time Ministries International, who delivered remarks as Guest Speaker, Dr. Ademola Iyi-Eweka, who performed the libation, Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus Chair Senator Dora Drake, Honoree and Menomonie Ward 8 Alderperson Camden Hargrove, and musicians from Higher Ground Christian Center and the King’s Chord a cappella group from Rufus King High School who performed the Black National Anthem. Additionally, Micayla Johnson, daughter of the late President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County Michael Johnson, delivered a powerful tribute in honor of her father on behalf of the family. I want to share my sincere thanks with everyone who was able to participate and share in today’s program.
 
The Juneteenth flag tells a story of struggle, enduring hope, and the journey toward freedom. May we continue to raise the flag as a reminder to honor the strength and resolve that our ancestors exemplified yesterday, join the ongoing pursuit of freedom with the advocates and activists of today, and fuel the passion and drive of tomorrow’s trailblazers as that journey continues.”