Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced to enslaved people that they were free more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had legally abolished slavery on January 1, 1863. The news of freedom reached different communities at different times, and some enslavers deliberately withheld the announcement even after that date.

June 19th has become the widely accepted symbol of emancipation's end because it represents the last major public declaration of freedom in the South. Commemorating Juneteenth is an opportunity for all people to reflect on the enduring legacy of slavery, acknowledge ongoing struggles for racial equity, and celebrate the richness of Black heritage and community. Whether through education, art, music, or community gatherings, observing Juneteenth is a meaningful step toward a more just and inclusive society.

Want to learn about some interesting facts about Juneteenth? Visit The Unspoken Truths newsletter to find out. To find Juneteenth celebrations and other social justice events happening near you, visit our DEIB/Social Justice calendar for a full listing of celebrations and community gatherings across the Puget Sound area so that we can honor our history together.