2022 Juneteenth Events
On June 19 people across the United States will observe, honor and celebrate Juneteenth. Last year, Gov. Jay Inslee officially declared Juneteenth a state holiday, making June 19 a paid holiday for state workers beginning in 2022.
"Juneteenth (short for 'June Nineteenth') marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday." Source
There are several ways to honor Juneteenth. Here is a list of events across Washington State. If you do not see something in your area, check your local news outlets and city pages. Before celebrating, please learn more about this important day.
Seattle and surrounding areas events
Washington State Historical Society events
Events across the west side of the state
Resources:
Find more information from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Check out this article on a film featuring Black leaders in Whatcom County on the significance of Juneteenth.
View this video on Juneteenth.
Learn more about the history of Juneteenth.