Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Flag Plaza
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Please come together as a community to recognize and honor Juneteenth as a campus. Join us for community, food, and celebration throughout this month. Here at Western on the June 12th we will “Celebrate Our Ancestors’ Legacy” as a community. All students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members are welcome! During this celebration we will hear reflections and spoken word prepared by students in the Black Student Coalition (BSC). Together as a community we will raise the Juneteenth flag and celebrate!
Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day” is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This holiday is considered the “longest running African-American holiday” and has been called “America’s second Independence Day.” It was on June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, landed in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were free.
The first Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring each other, praying and gathering remaining family members together. For decades, Juneteenth continued to be highly revered in Texas, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date. In the early years, there was little interest outside the African American community in participating in the celebrations. Some communities even barred the use of public property for the festivities.
Since its origin in Galveston, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the U.S. and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.
In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of each other, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.
Their Wildest Dreams
Celebrating our Ancestors' Legacy
WWU Juneteenth Celebration
Wednesday, June 12
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Food and refreshments provided
AA/EO. For disability accomodation, please contact Nia Gipson. One week advanced notice is appreciated.
Commercial Street Block Party
Presented by 2BB Productions
Celebrate Juneteenth
Friday, June 14th
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Black owned business & tattoo spotlight, face painting, chalk art, DJ Flais, food trucks, & more
Community Flag Raising
City of Bellingham Flag Raising at City Hall
Monday, June 17, 11:30 a.m.
Juneteenth Community Gathering
Wednesday, June 19
10 a.m
Lake Padden East Entrance
4882 Samish Way, Bellingham.
Join us for a 2.5-mile walk in solidarity with the Black Texans who remained unaware of their freedom for 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Soul Food Jamboree and Market
Presented by 2BB Productions
Soul Food Plates ~ Black Owned Businesses
Wednesday, June 19th
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cafe Blue
1319 11th St, Bellingham
Freedom Walk
Wednesday, June 19th at 4:30 p.m.
We will meet at the south end inter-urban trail in Historic Fairhaven (by Big Love Juice Bar)
Miraculous Events Presents
The Official Juneteenth Celebration at Boulevard Park
Saturday, June 22
2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join us as we all celebrate life and freedom together.
A fun day of games, dancing, entertainment, cotton candy, shopping, food, and more fun!