Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, will be celebrated on June 19, 2025. This year marks the third official celebration since President Joe Biden declared it a federal holiday in 2021.
The significance of Juneteenth transcends mere commemoration; it stands as a vital part of American history, rooted deeply in African American experiences. As Library Manager Isaac Harrison noted at a recent Juneteenth event, “It’s American history, not just African American history, and it’s something that’s near and dear to my heart.”
While much of the nation has celebrated this important day for decades, it has recently gained official recognition. With events planned across various regions, Washington state is set to host some of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the Pacific Northwest.
In Tacoma, a major Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for June 19, 2025, where it is anticipated to be the largest gathering within Washington state. This year’s music festival promises exciting performances from renowned artists including Fred Hammond, Crystal Aiken, and Soul For Real, among others.
Seattle will also be vibrant with activities this Juneteenth. The Juneteenth CommUnity Celebration begins at 9 a.m. at The Union on Second Avenue. This free event caters to attendees of all ages, offering a “libation zone,” an array of food trucks, youth sports activities, and performances by local musicians and artists celebrating Black heritage.
In the Central District, the Juneteenth Festival at Jimi Hendrix Park will start at noon, featuring live music until 8 p.m. Headlining the event is October London, alongside speeches from community leaders, food vendors, and merchandise booths.
Additionally, Wa Na Wari is hosting the Fete and Community Dialogue event starting at 3 p.m. This unique gathering will run until 5 p.m. and aims to foster conversations within the community.
Columbia City will not be left out of the celebrations either; the Royal Room Seattle will host “Divas of Soul: A Juneteenth Celebration” at 6:30 p.m. Admission is by donation.
So why do we celebrate Juneteenth? It is a holiday dedicated to honoring the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Traditionally, it was known by various names such as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day before formally being recognized as Juneteenth.
The date itself, June 19, poignantly marks the day in 1865 when Texas became the last rebel state to abolish slavery. The significance of Juneteenth has led Black Americans to commemorate it each year, fostering a sense of community and reflection.
As a federal holiday, Juneteenth holds a special place in American society. Following overwhelming support in Congress, legislation officially establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday passed with a vote of 415 to 14 in the House of Representatives in June 2021. President Biden subsequently enacted the legislation just a day after its passage.
The term Juneteenth itself merges the month of June with the date, the nineteenth, representing the day we recognize the liberation from slavery. Before this name was adopted, the holiday was celebrated under different titles, all touching on the essence of freedom and independence.
One of the unique traditions associated with Juneteenth is the consumption of red foods. According to Oldways Cultural Food Traditions, the color red signifies the resilience of African Americans throughout their history. Dishes like red velvet cake, hibiscus tea, and strawberry soda often feature prominently at gatherings, as do seasonal fruits such as strawberries and watermelon.
Moreover, a distinctive symbol associated with Juneteenth is the Juneteenth flag, created in 1997 by Ben Haith. The flag’s colors of red, white, and blue aim to remind Americans that African Americans have always been a part of the nation, despite their history of enslavement.
Notably, the central five-point star of the flag recalls the U.S. flag while representing freedom for Black Americans in all states. Surrounding this star is a zigzag shape that symbolizes new horizons and a promising future for African Americans.
As we approach Juneteenth in 2025, communities are encouraged to actively engage in the festivities and attachments it holds to history and reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality and freedom. Celebrating Juneteenth not only honors the past but also strengthens the current ties among communities by promoting understanding, respect, and unity.
For those looking for local news, weather, and events as Juneteenth approaches, subscribing to local newsletters or following community pages may provide additional insights into celebrations and related activities. As this heartfelt celebration of freedom grows, it serves as a reminder of collective resilience and hope for the future, encouraging all to recognize and appreciate this pivotal moment in American history.
image source from：https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/juneteenth-what-how-celebrate-wa
