A parade down 23rd kicked off the second day of the Juneteenth Freedom Festival a bit after noon today. Although it was noticeably smaller than last year, the participants were enthusiastic.

The festival continues at Pratt Park until 8pm tonight and again tomorrow afternoon, with R&B and soul performances, food, and several informational booths.

Here’s some photos from the parade:

Tiana Townsell, Miss Black Washington 2009

Leonard Howz, President of Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle

George Neubill, Geordan Newbill, and Joseph Overall of Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle

Rosalund Jenkins, Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs

DeCharlene Williams, President of the Central Area Chamber of Commerce

An R&B performer at the festival

I found a cell phone on the morning of 6/20 on 25th Avenue near Fir St. following last night’s apparent teen brawl in the area between 25th and 26th Aves and Yesler Way. I assume this may be someone’s phone from the incident. It won’t power up, so either the battery is dead or it may be broken. If you lost a phone in that area on 6/19 (or early 6/20) email me at [email protected] with a description of the missing phone (make, cell carrier, etc).

Does anyone know what the police, with dogs, were doing last night in the backyards of 21st and 22nd between Marion and Union?

Hi everyone, I know this isn’t the CD but it’s next door and really scary. Here’s the link:
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/48622132.html

It’s the last day of school in the Seattle School District, and possibly the last day of school forever at two Central District facilities. After a long battle with local parents, the district decided earlier in the year to close Mann building and move the NOVA students from the Meany Middle School to the building in Miller Park. The middle school program at Meany is also getting the axe, with existing students there being assigned to new schools according to their home address (it sounds like most are going to Washington Middle School on Jackson).

In addition to a lot of dispersed students, the move will leave us with two empty buildings. I spoke to school spokesman David Tucker yesterday and he said that the buildings will remain a part of the district’s inventory, with a possibility of reactivation if the district ever decides that neighborhood demographics warrant it. He also said that there is no plan to sell the buildings. But realistically that is completely at the option of the school board, which could pass a resolution at almost any time to dispose of surplus property.

Neighbors of the two buildings are understandably concerned about what will become of the empty properties. Mr. Tucker said that there is custodial staff that will still be assigned to take care of the properties and make sure they “remain viable” and do not descend into disrepair. In addition, school security will be keeping an eye on them to insure that they don’t become magnets for crime.

The empty structures will also be available for rental to community organizations, according to the same rates and policies as any other school district property. Details on that are available on the district’s website.

From Seattle’s East Precinct, Friday, June 19th, 2009

Happy Juneteenth weekend! The Central Area Chamber of Commerce has a weekend of fun planned at Pratt Park to celebrate the emancipation of the slaves after the civil war.

Here’s what you can get out of the house and check out this weekend:

Friday at noon: The 3-day Juneteenth Freedom Festival gets kicked off at Pratt Park with Youth Day, with hip-hop and spoken word performances, Obama look-alike contests, and the crowning of the Juneteenth Queen.

Friday at 2:30pm: Got a kid looking for a summer job? There’s a big job fair at the Garfield Teen Life Center, organized by Seattle Parks and the Urban League. There’s also a BBQ and basketball and dance contests that start at 5:00pm

Saturday at noon: The second day of Juneteenth starts with a parade up 23rd from Garfield to Pratt Park. Then the festival scene at the park will have rhythm & blues, soul, spoken word, and a variety of speakers.

Saturday at 4:30pm: How about a good cause and some tasty drinks? The Bottleneck (a CDNews Sponsor) is hosting a benefit for Jack the Stoner Dog, to offset the $1500 vet bill he ran up after eating a stash of pot at Seward Park.

Sunday at noon: Join neighbors for a BBQ and opening celebration of the art project The Corner at 23rd & Union.

Sunday at noon: The final day of Juneteenth closes out, appropriately enough, with “Church Day” at Pratt Park

Sunday at 7:30pm: Show off your big brain at Gay Pride Trivia Night at The Bottleneck, hosted by Scott & Lance and benefitting Three Dollar Bill Cinema.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Need some laughs? The “What The Hell did I Just Watch?!?” comedy video festival is playing at Central Cinema (CDNews sponsors) at 7:00pm, 8:45pm, and 10:30pm each night. 

Want to see your event here?  Post it for free on our community calendar

Although the experts are saying the risk for a depression is past us, a recession remains. We’ve gotta make sure that we’re out there supporting our neighborhood businesses so that they’ll still be around when the economy turns around.

Here’s some business news from around the ‘hood:

• Nicole at Immortal Dog pet supply has some new healthy options for your pets
• MezzaLuna (a CDNews sponsor) is now serving tasty breakfasts on weekdays 
• Everyone seems to love Tougo
• Best Buddy Care is available to help take care of your critters during summer trips
• Need a bike tune up?  donovanr says that 20/20 cycles is the best bike shop in the city
• Amy says that Envy Grows is a great place for a gift
• Have kids that want to learn guitar over the summer? Nine Yards Music has classes starting next week
• Ginger Croyle is offering summer tutoring to get kids academic performance tuned up for the next year
• Reviewers are still raving about All Purpose Pizza
• Andrew gives a thumbs up for El Gallito
• Readers say they’ve gotten great service and low prices on auto care at Easy Auto Repair

Got another local business you’re a fan of?  Write them up on our reviews section

From Seattle’s East Precinct, Thursday, June 18, 2009

The cascade bicycle club is sponsoring a summer bike league, similar to the “bike to work challenge” that took place during the month of May. This one, however, lets a cyclist record all miles logged by bicycle, including errands outside of work. The “teams” are by neighborhood. I am a dedicated cycle commuter from the CD and see lots of others biking past my house daily. Sign up here if you’re interested.

http://www.cbcef.org/sbl/summer-bike-league.html