The Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC) will host its 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration this Sat., June 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Morrill Meadows Park – 10600 SE 248th St. in Kent.
This free event will feature food, games, vendors, entertainment and an opportunity to share African American culture and history with the entire community. There will also be a line-up of speakers to talk about education, history, and economic development.
For many African-Americans, Juneteenth has come to represent the same freedom as the Fourth of July does for all Americans. It serves as an historical milestone reminding Americans of the triumph of the human spirit over the cruelty of slavery. It honors those African American ancestors who survived the inhumane institution of bondage; it demonstrates pride in the marvelous legacy of resistance and perseverance that they have left.
Juneteenth commemorates the day when those forced into slavery, in Texas, learned of their freedom. It was June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, when Union General Gordon Granger read General Order #3, announcing that “all slaves are free” by Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, to take effect on January 1, 1863. It took over two and a half years for the news of freedom to travel to southwest Texas.
Since that time, annual celebrations have taken root, with a range of activities to teach, educate, entertain, and celebrate the contributions of African Americans and their ancestors and the growth of African Americans as a people as a whole.
Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or state holiday observance in 41 states. In 2003, the District of Columbia passed legislation to recognize Juneteenth as a district holiday observance. Other states, including Utah, South Dakota and Montana have recognized Juneteenth through state legislative resolutions and Gubernatorial Proclamations. In the City of Kent, Juneteenth is recognized by Mayoral Proclamation.
