The Seattle Housing Authority recognizes the struggles of enslaved African Americans and those who fought to end enslavement. We celebrate their strength and resilience, acknowledging how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. SHA is committed to working actively to advance race and social justice equity — for those we serve, our colleagues and the greater community.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery in America. The news came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which had officially freed enslaved people. Since then, Juneteenth celebrations have spread across the nation.
Events to honor and celebrate Juneteenth
Northwest African American Museum
Date and time: June 15 – June 19, multiple events
Location: Northwest African American Museum, 2300 South Massachusetts St., Seattle
Africatown Community Land Trust and King County Equity Now
Date and time: June 19, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Jimi Hendrix Park, 2400 S Massachusetts St, Seattle
Atlantic Street Center's 23rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Date and time: June 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Rainier Beach Community Center, 8825 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle
Resources
Books about Juneteenth for children