On Monday, June 19, a tradition will continue with the 2nd annual Juneteenth event at Seward Park. It will be a celebration for City employees, their families, and all others who want to come and celebrate the official end of slavery in 1865. The gathering provides colleagues and the community an opportunity to learn and grow together on our city’s newest recognized holiday.
The celebration will honor Juneteenth by providing a safe, equitable, and accessible event at Seward Park. It will be drop-in style from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing all to come when they want and stay as long as they would like.
Seattle IT’s Device Support Technician Anthony Davis spearheaded the first event last year.
“I got the idea from a conversation with a colleague about the events that departments hold that can be very siloed,” said Davis. “As the idea grew, so did the list of supporters.”
This year, there are even more supporters. Multiple departments have signed on to help celebrate the rich heritage of Juneteenth through live music, poetry, and dance. There will also be Women and Minority Business Enterprise, (WMBE)-owned food trucks and vendors. Family-friendly activities and interactive fun will be available. Live DJs will provide music at both the shelter and the amphitheater. Informational booths sponsored by City departments will allow learning and engaging with services like the Community Police Commission and the Seattle City Light Race and Social Justice Program.
The 2nd annual event is shaping up to be bigger than the first and will set the tone for the future of Juneteenth in Seattle.
“We hope to honor Black City of Seattle retirees and community elders at future events,” said Davis.
Welcome and opening remarks as well as a land acknowledgment will happen at noon. Events are set to take place all day at various parts of Seward Park.