Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday ordered the Juneteenth Flag raised over the Wisconsin State Capitol, temporarily displacing the Progress Pride Flag in a now-annual ritual that critics say underscores the administration’s focus on identity politics over unifying state symbols.
The red, white and blue Juneteenth banner, featuring a bursting star, flew above the East Wing entrance in place of the multicolored Progress Pride Flag, which Evers had hoisted just weeks earlier to mark Pride Month.
Evers, who first raised the Juneteenth Flag in 2020, issued a proclamation declaring June 19 “Juneteenth” throughout Wisconsin. He hailed the occasion as a celebration of African American freedom and resilience following the end of slavery in Texas in 1865, but admitted that the gesture was largely empty virtue-signaling.
“I know a flag is not a policy solution and it’s not an investment, but it is a message to black Americans across Wisconsin that we celebrate you,” Evers said during the ceremony Wednesday.
The Juneteenth Flag will fly until sunset Sunday, June 21, after which the Pride Flag returns for the remainder of June.
