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HHS students speak about importance of inclusivity during flag ceremony

HHS freshmen Felix Berry (red sweater) and Anjali Kannan (blue striped sweater) pose for a photo with town leaders and members of the Hopkinton Freedom Team following presentations of essays they wrote for a flag raising at Town Hall on Tuesday. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

The town and the Hopkinton Freedom Team on Tuesday held a ceremony recognizing the Juneteenth flag and the pride flag being raised at Town Hall. The brief event featured speeches prepared by Hopkinton High School students about the significance of the flags and how the themes of identity, freedom and justice show up in their lives.

First to speak was HHS freshman Anjali Kannan. She dove into the history of Juneteenth and how it commemorates when freedom “arrived” for the last enslaved people in Texas following the Civil War. Kannan also talked about the development of the pride flag in the 1970s and the meaning of its colors.

“So when this flag is raised in front of a town hall,” Kannan said of the pride flag, “it is not just symbolic. It is a continuation. It is a community saying, openly and publicly: You are seen here, you are safe here, you belong here.”

Kannan concluded her speech by asking attendees to understand the history behind both flags to avoid repeating that history.

“[The flags] ask us to notice who still feels like they are on the outside and do more than just recognize it,” she added. 

Felix Berry, also a freshman, talked about how the pride flag is a symbol of safety for him and other members of the LGBTQ community. “I’ve seen so many people, across multiple ages, physically relax in the presence of a pride flag,” he said. “It’s a sign that we are safe and we are wanted.”

Berry also talked about the joy of community events where queer individuals are recognized. Given his own experiences with transphobia and homophobia, Berry looked to the positives of inclusivity and visibility in the community.

“Thank you for bringing a sense of peace and joy to all LGBTQ people in our community in such a difficult time,” he concluded.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Select Board on Tuesday voted in favor of applying for a waiver to opt out of the state’s new cannabis delivery laws following input from the Health Department.

The Select Board also discussed available options for providing services to private ways given recent concerns over accepting them as public roads.

This week’s Police Log features reports of locating a missing person, two people fist fighting on Oak Street and a senior prank at the high school.

The Hopkinton High School softball team fell to Malden Catholic in a close game in the state tournament Wednesday evening.

The latest Arts Residency highlights HHS junior Maya Collins, who uses inspiration from architecture in creating detailed miniatures.

Norma Powell, 93, died May 29. She was an active member of Faith Community Church in Hopkinton in her later years.

Joseph “Butch” Lozeau Jr., 83, passed away May 14. He was a former resident of Hopkinton.

Tsung-Ying Su, 77, of Hopkinton died May 31.

This week’s Business Profile features real estate agent Crystal Shui, who pairs her design skills with real estate knowledge to help clients buy and sell homes.

Town meetings tonight include the Open Space Preservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

A broken-off section of a tree sits on the sidewalk on Pleasant Street earlier this week, apparently a victim of this past weekend’s rain and high winds.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR