June 19 marks the anniversary of Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free, two-and-a-half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“In amazement and disbelief, the 250,000 former slaves in Texas learned that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, which could not be enforced until the war was over... Shocked, disoriented, most likely fearful of an uncertain future in which they could do as they pleased, the liberated slaves of Texas celebrated. Their moment of jubilee was spontaneous and ecstatic and began a tradition of marking freedom on Juneteenth” (Smithsonian Magazine).
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021 (VOA).
Learn more about Juneteenth and join the celebration with these lists and other resources.
Library Events
- Juneteenth: More than a Day - Mountlake Terrace Library & Civic Campus: Celebrate freedom and African American heritage on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, with keynote speaker Dr. Steve Woodard, live entertainment, children’s activities, food vendors, a community art mural, and more. Hosted in partnership with the City of Mountlake Terrace and NAACP Snohomish County.
Community Events
- Juneteenth Community Celebration – Martha Lake Park, Lynnwood on Saturday, June 14, 11 AM–3 PM. Hosted by NAACP Snohomish County at Martha Lake Park. This free event features community speakers, BBQ, Sweet Potato Pie contest, line dancing, card games, and local vendors.
- Lynnwood Juneteenth “Freedom Festival” – Cedar Valley Community School: Celebrate Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Cedar Valley Community School gym and playfields. The event features an opening ceremony with community leaders, live music, dance, spoken word, a health fair, arts and crafts, children’s activities, food, and local vendors—all coming together to honor freedom and African American culture.
- Monroe Juneteenth Celebration – Sky River Park: Celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM with music, dancing, singing, food, games, and a community atmosphere honoring freedom and belonging—hosted by the Monroe Equity Community.
- Edmonds Juneteenth Celebration – Waterfront Center & Edmonds Food Bank: Celebrate Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 11AM - 2PM with a community-focused gathering hosted by Edmonds Food Bank, Lift Every Voice Legacy (LEVL), and the Waterfront Center. The event features food service, community resources, live performances, and opportunities to learn about Black heritage and emancipation.
- Honoring Juneteenth – Coupeville (Beaver Tales Coffee & sʷədəbš Cultural Center): Gather on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Beaver Tales Coffee (26 Front St NW) to reflect on freedom, history, and ongoing justice. This community-centered commemoration combines conversation, quiet reflection, and learning in honor of Juneteenth and Black liberation.
Books
Juneteenth Is – Bursting with gorgeous art, a young girl contemplates what Juneteenth means to her, her family, and her community.
The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes And Activities For Kids And Families To Celebrate - This inviting cookbook introduces the history of Juneteenth to kids through vibrant recipes, activities, and games drawn from Black American cultural traditions.
Watermelon & Red Birds – This gorgeous cookbook by food writer and cookbook author Nicole A. Taylor celebrates Juneteenth with delicious recipes drawn from her decade of personal experiences observing the holiday.
On Juneteenth - The essential, sweeping story of Juneteenth's integral importance to American history, as told by a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Texas native.
Online Resources
- Black Freedom Struggle - browse primary source documents from specific time periods in U.S. history marked by the opposition African Americans have faced on the road to freedom.
- Juneteenth | Gale U.S. History Online Collection - Read about the history of Juneteenth and explore recent news coverage of the holiday.
More to Explore
- Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom | National Park Service - Read an overview of the historic events culminating in Juneteenth Celebrations.
- Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History & Culture - View recorded events and genealogical resources from the Smithsonian.
