By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
The Atlantic Street Center will be hosting its 22nd annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 17 at the Rainier Beach Community Center from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will feature tables for local organizations and resources to connect with community members. Additionally, there will be local food, numerous Black-owned businesses, a presentation on Black Wall Street, and singer and songwriter Josephine Howell will be headlining the event.
Juneteenth recognizes and acknowledges the journey and achievements of African Americans who endured a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement. On June 19, 1865, the enslaved in Galveston, Texas were informed of their emancipation.
Juneteenth is a day committed to supporting family, friends, and associates, where people of all ages come together to help better understand the energy wasted on racism. It is a day of reflection, renewal, and enormous pride in appreciating the African American experience, which welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, and nationalities to participate in celebrating.
“Atlantic Street Center is proud to host our annual Juneteenth Celebration in collaboration with the Rainier Beach Community Center,” said Teresa Everett, Director of Public Relations and Resource Development. “We honor our past and celebrate this historic moment in history, marking the ending of slavery when over 250,000 slaves in Texas were informed on June 19, 1865, that they were free. The news came almost two and a half years after the official ending of slavery by President Lincoln. This day is also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day.”
“Atlantic Street Center’s Juneteenth event is a great opportunity for anyone and everyone in our community,” added Nora Weiss, Atlantic Street Center Marketing & Communications Manager. “It is a beautiful chance to learn more by seeing incredible performances, talking to thought leaders, eating local food, and having moments of appreciation for the diversity of culture.”
The celebration of freedom and independence for African Americans, along with organizations and community collaboration, has led to backyard barbecues, neighborhood block parties, parades, and schools and corporate businesses taking pride in observing Juneteenth as a state and federal holiday.
“This day is also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day. We also take this opportunity to educate and inform the community about other important historical moments. This year, we will feature Black Wall Street and the inaugural Legends Awards, which will honor impactful, local African American leaders,” stated Everett.
For those looking to attend the Juneteenth event on June 17, they can reserve a free ticket on the Atlantic Street Center’s website at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/atlantic-street-centers-22nd-annual-juneteenth-celebration-tickets-629441625847.
