Juneteenth commemorates the official emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, specifically in Texas, on June 19, 1865. It marks the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston, Texas, where the last enslaved people in the U.S. were informed of their freedom. Juneteenth is also celebrated as a time to remember the legacy of slavery and to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for African Americans.
Here's a more detailed look:
Historical Significance:
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the U.S., even though slavery had been officially abolished years earlier with the Emancipation Proclamation. The delay in news reaching Texas highlights the uneven implementation of emancipation across the country.
Commemoration and Celebration:
Juneteenth is celebrated with various events like parades, picnics, and community gatherings, often featuring music, food, and cultural performances.
Beyond the End of Slavery:
Juneteenth is also a time to reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. It is a reminder of the legacy of slavery and the continued impact of racism and systemic inequalities.
Federal Holiday:
Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, further solidifying its importance in national memory.
2025 Juneteenth Events
Juneteenth WA – A Road to Economic Freedom
• Date & Time: Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Location: Stewart Heights Park, 5715 Reginald Gutierrez Lane, Tacoma, WA
• Highlights: Live performances, over 100 vendors, food trucks, a Miss Juneteenth pageant, financial and career resources, and a kids' play zone. This free event is the state's largest Juneteenth celebration. Learn More and RSVP Here:
The Big Homie Program Presents: Juneteenth Celebration
• Date & Time: Saturday, June 7th | 🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Eastside Community Center
• Description: Come out and celebrate Juneteenth with us at our annual Big Homie Program Juneteenth Celebration — a day full of culture, community, and youth empowerment! Featuring Youth Vendors of All Kinds!
Support and uplift the next generation of entrepreneurs, artists, creators, and dreamers.
• From custom crafts and baked goods to clothing, art, and more — our youth will be showcasing their talents and building their futures.
✅ Celebrate Black history and culture
✅ Shop with youth-owned vendors
✅ Connect with community resources
✅ Enjoy music, good vibes, and family fun!
Threads of Freedom – Celebrating Black Culture, Fashion and Juneteenth
• Date & Time: June 12 @ 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• Location: TAM 1701 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402
• Event Description: Join us at Tacoma Art Museum for Threads of Freedom, a vibrant Juneteenth celebration honoring Black culture, creativity, and community. In partnership with The Chayah Movement, Community Aunties, and Tacoma Public Schools, this event will feature live performances, local vendors, delicious food, an artist showcase, and the 2025 Miss Juneteenth Pageant. Come celebrate freedom, resilience, and Black excellence through art, fashion, and community connections. This event is free and open to all.
• Learn More Here:
Juneteenth Celebration at Les Gove Park
• Date & Time: June 22, 2025 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Location: Les Gove Park 910 9th St SE Auburn, WA 98002
• Event Description: Come celebrate Juneteenth with City of Auburn, hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Equity. This federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery and liberation of Black people in the United States. This is a perfect event for the whole family to enjoy. Come participate in community fellowship, support local small businesses, and learn from community leaders. Enjoy amazing local artists and musicians and lots of free activities for kids of all ages.
Juneteenth Commemoration, third annual ~ We Are The World, We Are The Children
• Date & Time: Sat, 14 Jun, 2025 at 03:00 pm to 05:00 pm
• Location: Lakewood Playhouse 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd SW, Washington, Lakewood, United States
• Event Description: Learn, relearn about the historic Emancipation Proclamation. Abolishment of Slavery. Free Event.
* Keynote Speaker
*Prominent Guests
* Interpretative Dancers
*Poetry Reading
* Musicians / Singers
*Documentary video
*Audience Participation
*Local vendors
Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration
• Date & Time: Saturday, June 14, 2025 11:30AM – 4:30PM
• Location: 34200 1st Way Federal Way WA 98003
• Event Description: Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States and is a federally recognized holiday. The spirit of this event is to learn about, recognize and celebrate the rich history of African Americans and to celebrate cultures across the African diaspora. This event is a collaboration with the King County Library System, Phenomenal She and Game of Life. Enjoy a full day of celebration with performances, food, vendors, art and a whole lot of community!
• Learn More Here:
Juneteenth Community Celebration
• Date & Time: Saturday June 14th 2025 11:00am-5:30pm
• Location: Crossroads Park 999 164th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98008
• Event Description: In honor of Juneteenth 2025, the City of Bellevue is proud to be a sponsor of the Eton School and The Little School's third annual Juneteenth Community Celebration designed to center, celebrate and support Black voices and businesses. All are welcome to attend!
• Learn More:
Kitsap Juneteenth Block Party
• Date & Time: June 19th 2025 1:00pm-5:00pm
• Location: 2901 Perry Avenue, Bremerton WA
