BUILD
  • Home
  • Resources
  • BLOG
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Subcommittees
  • jobs
  • coronavirus.wa.gov
  • Fellow BRGs
  • Commission on African American Affairs (CAAA)
  • Office of Equity
Our voice is BUILDing

Juneteenth Celebration and Reflection

6/17/2022

 
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” 
— Barack Obama
Picture

​Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, serves as a day to reflect on our journey to freedom for Black people in America.  As Washington State, along with the rest of the United States of America, seeks to celebrate Juneteenth as an official holiday, our community reflects on our history and the significance of Juneteenth in this country.  Many Americans are unaware that enslavement of our people did not once the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It ended two years later in 1865, when more than 2,000 troops arrived in Galveston Bay Texas to enforce the freedom that belonged to black people. The impact of delayed action from a promise that was given and not fulfilled for 2 years is an all too familiar feeling. 

Post-emancipation, known as Reconstruction was an era consistently references as a period great hope yet struggle, and uncertainty for Black people in America. As the reality of black people being free started to settle in, we saw racism and oppression show up in a new form. Even though black people were no longer enslaved, they were faced with issues of Black Codes and Jim Crow, known as strict laws on how to treat black people. They were put in place to deprive and strip the fundamental rights and economic growth for the Black community. In addition to the corrupt laws in place, Black people were victims of horrendous acts by white supremacy believers, whose sole purpose was to terrorize the newly freed Black people anybody or entity that supported them. 

America has made progress, where the Black people are concerned but we as whole still suffer from the evil that America was built upon. It is systemic and must be purged. 

Reflection 

Juneteenth is not just a moment in American history, where we only celebrate the freedom for black people. It serves as a reminder of resilience and the determination that black people continuously show. We’ve overcome, we’ve endured, we do not break. However, we deserve rest, comfort, and peace. This is a moment in history, that highlights the long journey we have traveled. A moment in history, where our community can revive their hope and strength to build a better future for not only ourselves, but those that come after. So, let us not just a celebrate on Juneteenth, let us be inspired to act and commit to the effort of establishing a world where equality and inclusion does exist. 

Check out photos, live streams, and news links from Washington State Juneteenth event held on June 16th, 2022.
Washington State Juneteenth Celebration Photos - BUILD,  Washington State Juneteenth Celebration Livestream- TVW  BUILD Facebook Livestream KING 5 News
                                                                                                                                                      
​ Photos taken by Gary Lott

History of Juneteenth

6/2/2022

 
Picture
Compiled by Shauna James, Washington State Health Care Authority.

​What is Juneteenth?
  • Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) is a federal holiday commemorating the effective end of slavery.
  • It has also been referred to as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day.
  • The observance marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
  • The arrival of these troops came a full two and a half years AFTER the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
  • Juneteenth is the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, the observance officially because a federal holiday.
Picture

Juneteenth Significance
“Juneteenth” (June Nineteenth) commemorates freedom for African Americans, and reminds us of the promises of freedom, equity, and equitable opportunity which are at the core of the American Dream.

The historical legacy of Juneteenth is a good mirror of how freedom and justice in our nation has always been “delayed” for Black people.

For decades waves of lynching, imprisonment, and Jim Crow laws took root.  This resulted in a disproportionate impact of discriminatory policies, disparities, and a lack of economic opportunity and investment.

While some progress has been made, considerable barriers still exist towards fuller equity. Thus, the importance of the recognition and observance of Juneteenth to demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth (June Nineteenth)
1502: The first known Transatlantic Slave Trade voyage - At least 10 million Black people were forcibly transported from Africa and sold into slavery.

January 1, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, but some Confederate states refused to enforce this law.

June 19, 1865: General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston, Texas and announces that more than 250,000 enslaved black people were free through the Emancipation Proclamation).

December 1865: The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is passed, freeing all enslaved people & abolishing slavery in the U.S.

June 7, 1979: Representative Al Edwards introduces a bill declaring “Juneteenth” a state holiday - Texas was the first state to recognize the observance.

June 17, 2021: President Joe Biden establishes Juneteenth, the date commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S, as a federal holiday.

Key points of Governor Inslee’s Juneteenth Proclamation
In his all-state communication, Governor Jay Inslee said recent events caused him to examine how persistent racism continues to impact people of color in the State of Washington, but worldwide.

The proclamation is aimed at recognizing contributions of African Americans to our state and country and as a chance to reflect on progress till to be made to endure equal access and opportunity and for self-improvement and planning for a more equitable future.

Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom, acknowledges the resilience and determination that African Americans have shown.

Since its origin in 1865 in Galveston, Texas the observance of June 19 (Juneteenth) as the African-American Emancipation Day has spread across the US and worldwide.

In his communication about the proclamation, he made a commitment to making Washington a more inclusive state and our workplace an environment where every employee is encouraged to bring their true and authentic selves to work.

The proclamation makes Juneteenth a legal holiday.  He urged ALL citizens to learn about the celebration and its significance in American History and the heritage of our nation.

Picture
The Juneteenth Flag
On June 19th you might start seeing another red, white, and blue flag flying over our state.

That banner with a star bursting in the middle is the Juneteenth Flag, a symbol of the end of slavery in the United States.

The flag was created in 1997 by Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF).

According to Haith the design was a deliberate process. Here’s what each element of the flag represents:
  • The white star in the center of the flag has a dual meaning – One, it represents Texas, the Lone Star State. Two, it represents the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.
  • The surrounding burst represents a new beginning for African Americans throughout the nation.
  • The curved arc that extends across the width of the flag represents the new horizon - opportunities and promise.
  • The colors represent the American Flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are indeed Americans.
Picture

The Juneteenth Royal Ball: Reclaiming Community in Washington state in a movement of celebration, inspiration and elevation in excellence!

5/24/2022

 
Picture
​This is the Inaugural year that the state of Washington recognizes Juneteenth as a legal state paid holiday on Monday, June 20, 2022. As Black Folks and allies, we have been celebrating Juneteenth for years. This government recognition is cause for a bigger celebration. Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) in partnership with The Professional Women of Color Network and many other collaborators are cultivating this recognition with a Royal Ball that reclaims Community here in Washington.

Read More

Save the date, Celebrate Juneteenth with BUILD, 6/16/22

5/10/2022

 
Juneteenth is a state holiday!
Watch this space for more info as it becomes available.
​This event also serves as BUILD's June General Membership Meeting.
Picture

BUILD CELEBRATES REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY, 2022

1/12/2022

 
Picture
​Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968), was a man of great integrity, values, and principles. If alive today, Reverend Dr. King would be 92 years old. Leading the effort toward social justice and equality, Reverend Dr. King’s impact went beyond his local community to inspire change in America and the world. In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Read More

A 2021 VETERANS DAY message from BUILD

11/8/2021

 
Picture
Happy Veterans Day!

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11th to honor military veterans - people who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

As proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson, Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, originally marked the day to honor veterans. It was established after World War I to remember the “war to end all wars.” World War I, also known as the Great War, was one of the deadliest conflicts in history. During the Great War, more than 700,000 Black Americans enlisted in the military service.

Read More

BUILD Celebrates Black History Month, 2021

2/2/2021

 
“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.”
​-
Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman

“The month of February marks Black History Month, when our country celebrates the generations of Black Americans whose courage, advocacy and patriotism have enriched our communities and strengthened our democracy. In honoring Black trailblazers and change-makers of the past, we also gain inspiration for the work that still remains to fulfill our sacred responsibility to form a more perfect union.

Sadly, Black History Month comes as the scourges of systemic racism, injustice and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has inflicted a devastating, disproportionate toll on the health and economic stability of communities of color, continues to undermine Americans’ rights and our most fundamental values. In the face of these grave challenges, countless young Black leaders, activists and dedicated citizens have marched, mobilized and are making a difference to advance justice and build a brighter future for all. In this vital mission, we are blessed by the leadership and vision of a record number of Black Members of Congress as well as the historic inauguration of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman vice president in American History.”
​- Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, February 1, 2021
Picture

Read More

BUILD Celebrates Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 2021

1/4/2021

 
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968), was a man of great integrity, values and principles. If alive today, Reverend Dr. King would be 92 years old. Leading the effort toward social justice and equality, Reverend Dr. King’s impact went beyond his local community to inspire change in America and the world. In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Picture

Read More

Kwanzaa! A Celebration of Culture and Community

12/8/2020

 
By Cheri Willoughby and Rhetta Barker.
Picture
Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions around the world, representing opportunity for celebration of family, community, and culture.
 
Dr. Maulana Karenga started the celebration of Kwanzaa in 1966. Feeling African Americans were detached from the values and culture of the continent of Africa, he created the celebration to give them something they could connect to and make their lives better.

Read More

Governor Jay inslee on Juneteenth:

6/19/2020

 
Dear fellow state employee,
​
Today is Juneteenth, the day we commemorate and recognize as Freedom Day for slaves in Galveston, Texas who were told they were free by Union soldiers on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that became effective in January 1863. This is a day of reflection, acknowledgement, celebration and action.

Read More

Edmonds College Observes Juneteenth

6/18/2020

 
From their website: You are invited to join us in observing Juneteenth also known as Freedom Day or Independence Day, is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. 

More info below.

Read More

BUILD Honors PRIDE Month

6/15/2020

 
Blacks United In Diversity and Leadership supports the LGBTQ+ community, and honors Pride Month.

Read More

6/19/2020 declared juneteenth!

6/5/2020

 
Governor Jay Inslee declares June 19, 2020 "Juneteenth" in a ceremonial declaration!
Read the original 6/5/2020 announcement from BUILD below.

Read More

12 things ... about juneteenth

5/29/2020

 
12 Things You Might Not Know About Juneteenth
By Stacy Conradt, June 19, 2018

Read More

Memorial day message

5/14/2020

 
Blacks United In Leadership and Diversity (BUILD) are honored to share an important message about Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day -- the year’s most solemn and reflective holiday, which traces its roots back to the Civil War (1861 - 1865), and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Read More

Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Day Message 2020

4/15/2020

 
Sponsored by Blacks United In Leadership & Diversity (BUILD) formerly the Black Community Business Resource Group.
​
Originally distributed 1/14/2020

Read More

    AuthorS

    Our blog includes but is not limited to events, insights, and highlights to augment basic education. 

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020

    Categories

    All
    2021 BUILD Elections
    2022 BUILD Elections
    Aapi
    Allyship
    Announcement
    Black History Month
    Black Leaders
    BUILD Elections
    BUILD Newsletter
    CAAA
    Child Support
    Covid 19
    Data
    Disability
    Domestic Violence
    Education
    Equity
    Event
    Fellow BRGs
    General Membership Meeting
    Grant
    Health And Wellness
    Here Together In Our Pain
    History
    Holiday
    Indigenous Peoples
    Job
    Juneteenth
    Leadership Support
    Legislation
    LLN
    Office Of Equity
    Opportunity
    Past BUILD Leaders
    Poverty Reduction
    PRIDE
    Professional Development
    Public Speaking
    Sexual Assault Awareness
    Subcommittee
    WA State DEI Summit
    Women's History Month
    Workgroup

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • Resources
  • BLOG
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Subcommittees
  • jobs
  • coronavirus.wa.gov
  • Fellow BRGs
  • Commission on African American Affairs (CAAA)
  • Office of Equity