To honor and celebrate the Juneteenth holiday (June 19), check out these local events below.
Juneteenth, also know as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, acknowledges the freedom of Black Americans and their liberation from slavery.
Earlier this year, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a measure for Juneteenth to be a legal state paid holiday beginning 2022.
The Federal Way City Council has recognized the historical holiday and proclaimed the week of June 19 as “Juneteenth Week.”
“The City of Federal Way is proud to celebrate this important national day of freedom and is committed to creating a more just, inclusive, and equitable community,” the proclamation reads in part.
Juneteenth events in Federal Way:
Friday, June 18
The City of Federal Way is raising the Juneteenth flag at City Hall for the second time in city history. The flag raising is set for 1 p.m. Friday, June 18, at 33325 8th Ave. South in Federal Way.
Saturday, June 19
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Learn about various nonprofits and local businesses at the Federal Way Farmers Market booths. Representatives from the organizations will be at the market to share their visions and missions in assisting youth, women, members of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and more local community groups. The farmers market welcome ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Organizations include the Federal Way Diversity Commission, Federal Way Black Collective, Love Grace and Peace, Phenomenal She, Game of Life, Progress Pushers, Federal Way Boys & Girls Club and more.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Federal Way nonprofit Phenomenal She, a mentorship program for young women of color, is hosting their first Juneteenth event at Town Square Park. Partnering with nonprofit Game of Life (GOL), a mentorship program for young men of color, the event includes a dunk contest, mask decorating, food for the first 100 guests and more. Town Square Park is located at 31600 Pete von Reichbauer Way S. in Federal Way.
All day: Visitors are welcome to explore all Washington State Parks and recreation lands for free. Discover Passes are not needed for day-use parking at state parks and on recreation lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on Saturday, June 19.
