SUTTON - People in Sutton observed Juneteenth with a Black Lives Matter peaceful protest.

Dozens marched from Sutton High School to the center of town on Friday afternoon.

Speakers took to the microphone to address issues of racism in the country and what the residents of Sutton can do in the future to support racial equality.

Protest organizer Emma Hersom says holding the event on June 19th was no coincidence.

“I felt not only having this protest would know give light to what Juneteenth is and the purpose behind it but also to amplify black voices by having this protest and just to make sure that this town and the community knows how important it is for at least these people that showed up today that racism shouldn’t be tolerated and isn't tolerated in this community or anywhere," Hersom said.

Governor Charlie Baker proclaimed Friday as Juneteenth Independence Day in Massachusetts and is calling for it to be observed every year.