Juneteenth: celebrating freedom and resilience

Written By: Jessica Robinson, Leave & Care Division and Member of BUILD
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The holiday’s origin story begins in Galveston, Texas, which, in 1865, was the western-most area of the Union.

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston with the news that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. This day came to be known as Juneteenth. Interestingly, these enslaved individuals had technically already been freed two-and-a-half years prior when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. However, slaveholders in Texas had kept this information to themselves, extending the period of violent exploitation of enslaved African Americans.
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The significance of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate, gather as a family, reflect on the past, and look to the future. It is considered the longest-running holiday in African American and Black communities. The holiday’s name is a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” signifying the date when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, after the U.S. Congress passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.
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​Celebrating Juneteenth
Initially, Juneteenth was celebrated in family- and church-centered gatherings. Formerly enslaved individuals and their families would come together to commemorate this significant day. These early observances were heartfelt and intimate, emphasizing the joy of newfound freedom and the resilience of the African American community.
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Over the years, the informal holiday evolved into something more. Annual pilgrimages to Galveston Bay in Texas became a tradition. People would visit the site where Union troops arrived on June 19, 1865, to announce freedom to the enslaved population. These pilgrimages allowed people to connect with history and honor their ancestors’ struggles and triumphs.

As Juneteenth spread across the South, it also became more commercialized in the 1920s and 1930s. Food festivals, music, and other public celebrations began to take center stage. The holiday transformed from private gatherings to community-wide events, emphasizing unity, pride, and cultural heritage.

The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the United States has signified its importance in acknowledging the legacy of slavery and celebrating African American culture and achievements.

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Whether you’re new to this information or someone looking to deepen their understanding, here are some ways to celebrate Juneteenth

​1. Find an event in your community
Check local listings for events happening near you. Here are a few:

-BUILD’s 2024 Juneteenth celebration
Open to all state employees
June 14, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m., in-person and virtually
Tivoli Fountain, Capitol Campus, Olympia
For additional information, contact [email protected]
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-BEING’s Juneteenth celebration 2024
Open to all state employees
June 13, 2 – 3:30 p.m., virtual event
For additional information, contact [email protected]

-Lacey’s 43rd Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
8345 Steilacoom Road SE, Lacey
Free BBQ, music, haircuts and connection.
Optional: bring non-perishable food items for the Food Bank

-A few Juneteenth events happening on June 19 around Seattle

• WA State Parks are free (no passes needed)
• Northwest African American Museum is providing free admission from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Africatown is putting on Summer of Soul at Jimi Hendrix Park, from noon – 8 p.m.
• Langston Hughes Performing Arts is hosting a “We’re Free Now” Celebration, from 5 – 9:30 p.m.

- Juneteenth Celebration: A Road to Economic Freedom
Community event open to all
June 19, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stewart Heights Park
5715 Reginald Gutierrez Ln, Tacoma
Find additional information on https://www.juneteenthwa.com/.

2. Cook traditional foods

• Explore traditional Juneteenth dishes like red velvet cake, watermelon and strawberry soda.
• These red foods symbolize the strength, perseverance and struggles of enslaved ancestors.

3. Support Black-owned businesses

• Make a conscious effort to shop at Black-owned businesses.
• By doing so, you contribute to economic empowerment and celebrate Black entrepreneurship.

4. Listen to Black artists and/or Watch Black TV shows and movies

• Create a playlist featuring music by Black artists, from gospel and jazz to hip-hop and soul.
• Explore films, documentaries and TV shows that highlight Black history, culture and achievements.

5. Read books written by Black authors and poets

• Dive into literature that reflects the Black experience.
• Consider works by authors such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin and Langston Hughes

 Feel free to choose the activities that resonate with you and celebrate this significant day in a way that feels meaningful!
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Remember, Juneteenth is not just a celebration. It’s a call to action and a commitment to justice for all.

Happy Juneteenth!

Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength and determination of African Americans who fought for freedom and equality. As we celebrate this historic day, let us continue to learn, reflect and work toward a more just and inclusive society.