Skyway Juneteenth Celebration: Honoring Heritage, Inspiring Unity

We're grateful to everyone who joined us at the Skyway Juneteenth Celebration and Festival on Saturday, June 17th at Campbell Hill Elementary. The energy, love, and joy we witnessed were remarkable, and we couldn't have asked for a better way to commemorate this important day. We came together as a community to honor our history, embrace our heritage, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Juneteenth emerged from the celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation. On the eve of January 1, 1863, African Americans, both enslaved and free, eagerly gathered in churches and homes nationwide, anticipating news of their freedom. At midnight, the Emancipation Proclamation came into effect, legally declaring enslaved people in Confederate States free. However, Texas remained under Confederate control, delaying freedom until June 19, 1865. On that day, known as Juneteenth, over 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas were emancipated. Juneteenth represents our country's second independence day, yet it remains largely unknown to many Americans. To learn more about the history of Juneteenth, read this article by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the volunteers, artists, sponsors, and vendors who contributed their time, talent, and resources to make this event a resounding success. A big shoutout to the Skyway Juneteenth Celebration and Festival Youth Committee, a dedicated group of 15 young people ages 12-14 that met weekly to lend their voice to the marketing, fundraising, and overall aesthetic of the event. Their commitment to the cause ensured that the event remained free and engaging. Thank you to everyone who attended the celebration. Your presence and enthusiasm filled the atmosphere with positivity, and your unwavering support fuels our commitment to creating spaces that celebrate our community and promote equity. A very special thank you to Renton School District and Dare2Be, for their planning, coordination, and support. Without them, this event wouldn’t be possible.