Juneteenth: History & Celebration
Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day; it is the day when Union troops rode into Galveston, TX in 1865 and more than 250,000 enslaved people were freed -- two full years after Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, the history behind Juneteenth remains unknown to most Americans.
“Juneteenth should be important for everyone. It’s not just celebrating Black freedom. It’s celebrating how important Black people have been to the formation of the United States. How Black celebrations of freedom are a reminder of how contingent freedom is for everyone. If we aren’t free no one else is free.”
– Angela Tate, Former Curator of African American Women’s History | Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Learn more about the history of Juneteenth and the traditions, food and music that are central to the holiday.
Looking to celebrate Juneteenth here in the Puget Sound? Consider joining the all-day celebration at Stewart Heights Park right here in Tacoma. This is the largest Juneteenth celebration in the state and the main stage is packed with talent. Come through from 11 am to 5 pm for singing, dancing, praise, good eats and all around positive energy. There will be something for everyone, including a kid’s stage and 150 vendors.
Pro tip: neighborhood parking was definitely tight last year, so consider riding one of four shuttles from nearby locations.
