Like many holidays, Juneteenth has been known by various names, such as Freedom Day, Liberation Day, and Black Independence Day. While each of these names highlights different aspects of the significance of this day, today it is most widely known by a portmanteau that blends “June” and “nineteenth” into a single, recognizable term.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their emancipation—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for true freedom and equity in America. Here, we’d like to offer some points of intentional reflection to accompany the jubilation and promise of Juneteenth:

• Consider the resilience it takes to continue the fight against racial injustice.
• Recognition of progress, but not overlooking the challenges that still exist, reflect on current social justice issues and consider how we can contribute to positive change.
• Consider the two-year delay: why did it take so long for the news of emancipation to reach Galveston? What followed this?
• How can we support and uplift historically marginalized communities through our actions, both personally and professionally?

Celebrating Juneteenth can include participating in local events, supporting Black-owned businesses, or volunteering for organizations that have specific racial equity goals.

Historic Connection to King County

Juneteenth became officially recognized as a holiday for King County employees in 2022. However, its roots in the Pacific Northwest date back to 1890, when the first observation of Juneteenth was held in Kent, sponsored by the Sons of Enterprise. In 1980, Seattle held its first Juneteenth celebration at Seattle Center, sponsored by what became the Central District Chamber of Commerce.

The visibility of Juneteenth grew significantly in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The nationwide protests that followed sparked a renewed focus on racial equity and justice, leading to the declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. Since then, Juneteenth’s popularity among all demographics has continued to rise, with increased budgeting and resources dedicated to its celebration and education. 

Local Events

• AFRICATOWN’s Summer of Soul Juneteenth Celebration, June 19, 12:00-8:00 pm at Jimi Hendrix Park
  FREE to the public, but you can make a donation and RSVP here
• Juneteenth Meditation: Liberated Rest by Mo Healing, June 19, 8:00-10:00 am at Inside
  $25, bring a yoga mat, journal, and any other reflection tools and personal items for an ancestor altar
• Celebrate with a visit to NAAM: June 19, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
  FREE admission for the public
• Juneteenth Celebration in Tacoma, June 19, 11:00 am- 5:00 pm at Stewart Heights Park
  FREE to public
• Celebrate Juneteenth with the Rewind: An Online Experience, June 19, 4:00-5:30 pm
  FREE to public, reserve a spot here.
• 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration, June 22, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm at Rainier Beach Community Center
  FREE to the public, RSVP here
• 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, June 22, 1:30-6:30 pm at Othello Playground
  FREE to public, RSVP here
• 13^th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Freedom Day, June 22, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm at Morrill Meadows Park in Kent
  FREE to public, free food will be available from 12:00- 2:00 pm
• Black Sunday Juneteenth Celebration in Tacoma, June 23, 2:00-5:00 pm
  FREE to public, RSVP here

Resources

To deepen our understanding of Juneteenth and its significance, we’ve compiled some resources:

• Article from Vox focusing on why we all should be celebrating Juneteenth.
• Take in this Juneteenth Meditation by Adrienne Maree Brown (2020).
• Give a listen to this playlist by Yoli, Juneteenth: Freedom Day.
• Read the transcript of The Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth at 4Culture

This year we are working with Arte Noir to support Black creatives by purchasing art from artist L. Haz for display in our offices. We’ve also purchased Juneteenth greeting cards by local artist Grace A. Washington—the artwork can be found on her website as part of her heritage collection and the cards are available to the public at our offices while supplies last! Lastly, we have some book recommendations from 4Culture staff for further learning to share:

• Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates
  
• My People Are Rising, Aaron Dixon 
  
• Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson
  
• The Forging of a Black Community, Quintard Taylor
• The Anti-Racist Vocab Guide, Maya Ealey