
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!
kids out numbered adults, and the rain stayed away.
hoping the rest of the weekend works for them