Juneteenth is on Wednesday, June 19, commemorating the day in 1865 when institutional slavery was abolished in the US, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
This week marks two years since Juneteenth was announced as a federal holiday — the first national holiday to be signed into law since MLK Day in 1983.
Here are some ways to commemorate the day around Seattle.
Events
Thursday, June 13
- Honoring Juneteenth | 6-7:30 p.m. | Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue | Free | Hear about the founding of the United States and the concept of “all men are created equal” from the perspective of a free Black colonist of the time.
Saturday, June 15
- NAAM’s Main Juneteenth Celebration and Skate Party | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Judkins Park, 2150 S. Norman St., Seattle | Free | Grab your rollerskates for some groovy fun, peruse the vendors, listen to live DJs, or tour the museum.
Sunday, June 16
- REVIVAL: Juneteenth Pop-up Market | 12-5 p.m. | 2301 E. Union St., Seattle | Free | Peruse Black retailers, food vendors, and community organizations in the heart of Central District.
Wednesday, June 19
- Lynnwood Juneteenth Freedom Festival | 10-3 a.m. | Cedar Valley Community School, 19200 56th Ave. W., Seattle | Free | Celebrate freedom, unity, and African American culture with a lineup of activities including marching bands and speakers.
Give back
Another way to acknowledge the day and the ongoing fight for human rights is to support local, Black-led community organizations. Check these out:
- Feed the People | This nonprofit hosts youth cooking classes and aims to increase food access by supplying meals to the community. Donate or buy some merch.
- Africatown Community Land Trust | This org maintains and stewards property within the Central District to create space for growing businesses. It also helps others keep and tend to their own land.
- ACLU of Washington | The local chapter of the national organization works to ensure justice for all by offering litigation services and policy work.
- King County Equity Now | By protecting and advocating for resources and systems that impact Black communities, this nonprofit hopes to create a more equitable King County.
If you’re in the mood to do some shopping or want to grab a meal, check out Intentionalist’s list of Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and services near you.
