Salem Negro Election Day Celebration Set To Return In 2024
SALEM, MA — Salem United Inc. President Doreen Wade announced the return of the annual Negro Election Day celebration on July 20 after months of expressing concerns about the future of the event amid a funding dispute with the city.
This year’s event — themed “Freedom Marches On — Our Resilient Cultural Contributions” — will include a parade, flag raising, speakers, music, and vendors at Salem Willows.
“This event is a pivotal moment to honor history, celebrate vibrant culture, and pay homage to ancestors, that underscores the significance of Negro Election Day,” Wade said in a statement to Patch.
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The day celebrates the first democratic voting system in America, designed by free and formerly enslaved Africans around the New England colonies 35 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Gov. Charlie Baker signed a proclamation declaring Negro Election Day an official state holiday in 2022.
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Wade said his celebration takes on even greater importance as it is a day to reflect on the journey, recognize the achievements and unite, as a community, to envision a brighter future, with continued freedoms, resilience and triumphs.
The celebration comes after Wade was critical of city officials for their lack of support and what she said was unclear messaging about Salem United’s ability to fund the programming.
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“I am going to go begging to banks, credit unions, and anybody else who will reach out and help us because right now the city of Salem has put us in a bind,” she told Patch in April. “If we don’t raise the money, there will be no Negro Election Day.”
But she said this week the program will proceed with a parade at noon along Congress Street, Derby Street and Memorial Drive and cultural and entertainment events at Salem Willows from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 20.
That will include a flag-raising to honor the military, African drumming and dancers, music performances, spoken word and poetry readings, a kids’ zone and vendors.
“Salem United protects and inspire past traditions, preserves cultural heritage and, most important, fights to build a legacy for future generations through this Negro Election Day celebration,” Wade said. “This joyous occasion is a reaffirmation of identity, strength, and unity. It promises to be a day of cultural enrichment, community bonding, and pure fun.”
More information on the history of Negro Election Day can be found here.
(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
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