Community Affirming Events

Juneteenth

Every year, the group "Community Vibes" organizes a Juneteenth celebration, a poignant occasion that honors and memorializes a pivotal moment in American history, marking a significant stride toward equality. This jubilant event is replete with sumptuous food, rhythmic music, lively dancing, and a prevailing sense of community upliftment.

Moreover, in 2023, the city of Framingham demonstrated its reverence for this national milestone by proudly hoisting the Juneteenth flag in front of the Memorial Building. This symbolic gesture served as both an act of homage and a space for reflection, underscoring the city's commitment to acknowledging and commemorating the enduring importance of this historic event.

Marking a historic moment of inclusivity, the City of Framingham unfurled the inaugural Framingham Disability Flag on a significant Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

Crafted by local resident Rob Levine, this emblem holds special significance. Conceived under the guidance of the Framingham Disability Commission in 2022, it serves as a tribute to the esteemed memory of Karen Foran Dempsey, a co-founder of the commission. This heartfelt creation embodies her legacy, further underscored by the dedication of the ballroom in Historic Village Hall in her honor in July of 2022.

The flag, a fusion of blue, green, and white hues, is a testament to the myriad experiences within the realm of disability – encompassing neurodivergence, mobility impairments, deaf/hard of hearing, visual impairments, and more. Its canvas bears the poignant words: Disability, Rights, & Human, eloquently encapsulating the essence of its message.

Mayor Sisitsky encapsulates the significance perfectly: "It is vital for every individual, young and old, navigating the realm of disability, to stand on equal footing and experience independence within their community." With this flag, Framingham champions a future where inclusivity and empowerment resonate as foundational values.

The City of Framingham, the Framingham Public School District, and a host of community partners invited the public to join them on Monday, October 9, 2023, for an Indigenous People’s Day event at Farm Pond Park

“On Indigenous People’s Day, it is important to acknowledge those who have lived on this land for centuries before European explorers arrived,” said City of Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “ Indigenous People’s Day is a day to celebrate Indigenous People’s resilience, strength, and history, and it is also important to remember those Indigenous People, who were forcibly removed from ancestral lands, displaced, and assimilated. It is a day for both reflection and celebration.”

Before European colonization, the region around Framingham was inhabited by the indigenous Nipmuc, the “Fresh Water People.” They lived in settlements established alongside the Washakamaug (“eel fishing place”) or what is today called Farm Pond. “Indigenous People Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the culture and history of Native people, past, present, and future,” said Framingham Public Schools Superintendent Bob Tremblay

“As a community, we must continue to acknowledge the Native American people's sacrifices and make visible their resilience and contributions to American society,” said Jesse Edwards, the City of Framingham’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month Mayor and First Lady Hold Luncheon Listening Session with Hispanic, Latino & Brazilian Leaders

More than three dozen people attended the listening session, with the lack of affordable housing the #1 topic of discussion.

The City of Framingham initiated a collection of videos in honor of Women's History Month within our city in 2023.

Please access the links provided to view the following videos:

First Video

Second Video

Third Video

Fourth Video

Fifth Video

Sixth Video

Stay tuned for our new campaign in 2024.