The Central Area Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is holding the 29th Annual Seattle Juneteenth Celebration at Pratt Park Friday through Sunday. Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Friday with an ice cream social sponsored by Dick’s Drive-In followed by a candlelight vigil for Desmond Jackson and other recent victims of violence at 6 p.m.

“We’re trying to bring us all together and stop fight each other,” said CACC’s DeCharlene Williams.

Unfortunately, there will not be a parade this year as in previous years due to budget constraints, said Williams. But there will be music all weekend—blues and jazz Saturday, choirs Sunday—and lots of booths. Puget Sound Blood Center will also hold a blood drive Friday from noon – 6.

The celebration will go from noon until dusk Saturday and Sunday.

Juneteenth is the celebration of June 19, 1865, the day slaves in Galveston, Texas learned they were free. The Chamber puts it this way:

For many African-Americans, it has come to represent the same freedom as the Fourth of July does for all Americans. It serves as an historical milestone reminding Americans of the triumph of the human spirit over the cruelty of slavery. It honors those African American ancestors who survived the inhumane institution of bondage; it demonstrates pride in the marvelous legacy of resistance and perseverance they left us.

Here’s a rough schedule of events, from the CACC:

12:00 pm till Dusk

Pratt Park – 20th and Yesler, Seattle

FREE TO EVERYONE

Live Music – Good Food

Business Casual Networking

Face Painting – Poetry

come to see our vendors all three days

Juneteenth Celebration

Sending a Shout Out for the Youth in Education

Friday June 9th (Flag Day)

Talent Search open mic.

Ice Cream Social @ 4pm sponsored by DICK’S DRIVE-IN

Central Area Pride Program Event

Saturday June 9th

Youth Unity Forum sponsored by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Small Sparks Program

Sunday June 10th

Church in the Park

Preaching, Gospel Exposure and Praise Dancing

Sponsored by:

Central Area Chamber of Commerce

2108 E. Madison Seattle, WA 98122

For More Information

DeCharlene Williams

Call (206 325-2864) http://scacc2108.org

206.322.8296: [email protected]

(206) 325-2864

All Are Welcome!! Thanks!