Governor Kathy hocus issues statewide proclamation marking Juneteenth observance with expanded public commemorations across New York State

Albany, New York – Governor Kathy Hochul marked Juneteenth on Friday with a statewide proclamation and a series of symbolic observances designed to honor the historical significance of the day and its continuing meaning for communities across New York.

The announcement included a coordinated visual tribute across the state, with the Pan-African flag raised over the New York State Capitol in Albany. In addition, the flag was scheduled to fly at multiple state buildings throughout New York, reinforcing the statewide recognition of Juneteenth as a day of reflection, remembrance, and ongoing commitment to equality.

Governor Hochul emphasized both the historical importance of Juneteenth and the broader responsibilities that remain in the pursuit of fairness and justice. In her remarks, she said, “Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of how far our nation has come and how much work still remains,” Governor Hochul said. “This commemoration is both a celebration of freedom, and a reminder of the work ahead to ensure all New Yorkers are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.”

The proclamation comes as New York continues to expand public recognition of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and has become a widely observed state and national holiday. Through lighting displays, flag ceremonies, and official statements, the state aims to highlight both the historical weight of the day and its relevance in modern civic life.

One of the most visible elements of this year’s observance is the lighting of major landmarks across New York in red, black, and green, colors associated with Pan-African identity and heritage. Sixteen prominent sites are scheduled to participate in the illumination, creating a coordinated visual display that spans cities, bridges, transportation hubs, and public institutions.

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Among the landmarks taking part are One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and Niagara Falls, each of which will be lit in the symbolic colors during the evening hours. Other sites include the Kosciuszko Bridge, the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, the State Education Building, and the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, reflecting participation from both infrastructure and government centers.

Additional locations include Empire State Plaza, the State Fairgrounds Main Gate and Expo Center, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, and Grand Central Terminal Pershing Square Viaduct. Albany International Airport Gateway and the Lake Placid Olympic Center are also part of the statewide lighting effort, further extending the observance across different regions of New York.

Two landmarks will display a modified version of the lighting scheme, with the Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal and Moynihan Train Hall both illuminated in red only. The Roosevelt Island Lighthouse will also join the display, adding another symbolic point of visibility in New York City.

In addition to the landmark lighting, the Pan-African flag will be flown over a wide range of state facilities. In Albany, the flag will be raised at multiple key sites including the Empire State Plaza, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Executive Mansion, and Harriman State Office Building Campus, Building 18.

The observance also extends beyond the capital region. State buildings in Harlem, Poughkeepsie, Hawthorne, Hauppauge, Binghamton, Watertown, Hornell, Oneonta, Syracuse, Utica, and Oriskany are all participating in the flag display, underscoring a statewide commitment to marking the occasion in a visible and unified way.

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By combining public statements, flag displays, and illuminated landmarks, New York’s Juneteenth observance aims to connect historical memory with present-day reflection. The coordinated effort across cities and institutions highlights both the progress recognized since emancipation and the continued focus on equality and dignity for all residents.

As the day unfolds, the visual tributes across the state are expected to serve as a reminder of Juneteenth’s significance, not only as a historical milestone but also as a continuing call for awareness and action in the present.