Last Saturday, the King County Library System (KCLS) invited patrons to celebrate Juneteenth with an event at the Federal Way Library Makerspace.
The engaging event drew a crowd of nearly 300 patrons, who enjoyed learning about Juneteenth and African American history through stories and hands-on activities, including the “American Traveling History Museum: The Unspoken Truths,” founded and curated by Delbert Richardson; The Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing by Neveah Wright; KCLS Makerspace activities; and Community Partners Tabling with Federal Way Black Collective, Phenomenal She, Game of Life, PICA-WA, Blkbry Doulas, Eileen and Callie’s Place, and KCLS Race and Social Justice Advisory Committee.
KCLS’ Juneteenth celebrations continue throughout the month with an additional online event on Wednesday, June 21, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Patrons are invited to enjoy music, movement and reflection with SilverKite Community Arts, facilitated by Merri Ann Osborne and The Mahogany Project.
Patrons may also learn more about African American heritage and freedom through reading lists curated by KCLS staff.
Held on June 19, Juneteenth is a nationally recognized holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, and the resilience and joy of the African American community. It commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce and enforce the end of slavery. The announcement came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.
