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“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  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  Compiled by Shauna James, Washington State Health Care Authority. What is Juneteenth?
 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.  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:
 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.
 Annual Community Pillar Awards Dinner
Honoring those who have impacted and uplifted the Spokane African American Community*Tickets $25 per person or $185 per table (seats 8) Tickets sales will begin on 5/23/2022. 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.  Saturday, June 19th, 2021:
Event: Juneteenth Stop the Hate Rally Time: 9:00 AM Location: Heritage Park fountains Event Info: A “celebration gathering” to celebrate Juneteenth. Sign-waving, speeches, performances by young poets and singers to raise awareness around anti-Asian violence and hate. 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. 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. From their website: "Our purpose is to honor and remember a special milestone in black history: June 19, 1865. On this day, African Americans forced into slavery in the United States were officially and legally free (ish)." More info after the jump.
Governor Jay Inslee declares June 19, 2020 "Juneteenth" in a ceremonial declaration!
Read the original 6/5/2020 announcement from BUILD below. |
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