Estey Hall at Shaw University, the site of the Juneteenth flag raising, is a historic red-brick building representing HBCU legacy and Black excellence.
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Raleigh’s First Juneteenth Flag Raising to Be Held at Historic Shaw University June 19

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley
Juneteenth flag raising
Let it wave! Raleigh’s first Juneteenth flag raising takes place June 19 at Shaw University.

RALEIGH, NC – In a historic first for North Carolina’s capital city, the Juneteenth flag will be raised in Raleigh on Thursday, June 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Shaw University, the state’s first historically Black college. The program, Juneteenth at ShawU, begins in Estey Hall, a national landmark of Black educational achievement, before a processional leads attendees to the central campus flagpole for the powerful conclusion—the raising of the Juneteenth flag.

Part of the 20th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration, the event carries the theme: “Rooted in Freedom, Rising in Legacy.” It commemorates 160 years since the first Juneteenth and 160 years since Shaw University’s founding in 1865.

Program Highlights:

  • Juneteenth flag raising.Promotional graphic for Juneteenth at ShawU featuring date, time, and event participants.Emcee: Pastor Sharon Dean, Wake Chapel Church

  • Welcome: Dr. Paulette Dillard, President, Shaw University

  • Keynote: Adrienne Nirdé, Director, NC African American Heritage Commission

  • Musical Performance: Pastor Nell Smith, Stellar Award-nominated gospel artist

  • “The Juneteenth Story” Presider: Dr. Mark Harden, Dean, Shaw University Divinity School

  • Freedom Document Readers:

    • Emancipation Proclamation: Raleigh City Councilman Corey Branch

    • 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Congresswoman Deborah Ross

    • General Order No. 3: Rev. Dr. Kevin Sturdivant

The Flag Raising Ceremony – A Powerful New Tradition

A group of Montford Point Marines in their dress uniforms in 1943 at New River, NC. The Montford Point Marines fought to be assigned to infantry units and eventually won the right, taking part in some of our nation’s greatest battles. (Photo: Public Domain)

Following the program inside Estey Hall, attendees will move in a processional to the campus flagpole for the most anticipated moment: the raising of the Juneteenth flag, symbolizing freedom and the ongoing struggle for Black equity and justice in America.

This year’s flag raising will be conducted by members of the Montford Point Marines, the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps. From 1942 to 1949, more than 20,000 Black men trained at Montford Point Camp in Jacksonville, NC, overcoming segregation and discrimination to defend a nation that had not yet granted them full citizenship. Their involvement offers a living tribute to Black military sacrifice, pride, and perseverance—making this moment even more poignant.

About the Keynote Speaker – Adrienne Nirdé

Nirdé

Adrienne Nirdé (pronounced Near-day) was appointed Director of the NC African American Heritage Commission in June 2023. Prior to her appointment, she served as Associate Director of the Commission, where she led communications, heritage trail development, and managed grant projects highlighting Black heritage across the state.

With over a decade of experience in museums and cultural institutions—including the President James K. Polk State Historic Site and the Earl Scruggs Center—Adrienne brings expertise and passion to the work of elevating underrepresented narratives. She holds a master’s in museum studies and dual bachelor’s degrees in history and anthropology from Indiana University. A graduate of the Jekyll Island Management Institute and the Smithsonian’s Ethical Interpretation Workshop, Adrienne is especially committed to telling the untold stories of North Carolina’s African American communities. She currently lives in Wendell, NC, with her husband and daughter.

Understanding “The Juneteenth Story”

This special segment, presided over by Dr. Mark Harden, Dean of Shaw University Divinity School, will provide a narrative journey through Black liberation—from the Emancipation Proclamation and delayed freedom in Texas to the present-day meaning of Juneteenth as a national holiday. As the three core freedom documents are read aloud, the audience will reflect on how these texts changed history and shaped the lives of generations.

“This is a landmark moment for Raleigh,” said Phyllis Coley, NC Juneteenth State Director and CEO of Spectacular Magazine. “To raise the Juneteenth flag for the first time at Shaw University—160 years after both the first Juneteenth and Shaw’s founding—is to affirm our history and reclaim our future.”

The program is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating in Estey Hall.