 Lynnwood Recognizes Juneteenth Freedom Day - June 19, 2020
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.*
Juneteenth is an important holiday and time for celebration for our Black community members. Now more than ever, it important for all community members to learn the history of Juneteenth, and listen and understand the ongoing struggle of the Black community for freedom and equality.
*Excerpt from www.Juneteenth.com
Our partners at the Edmonds School District have put together a week of education and action around Black freedom from enslavement and the ongoing Black struggle for freedom. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
- Friday, June 19th at 10 am: Juneteenth March
- Friday, June 19th at 7 pm: Juneteenth Candlelight Vigil at Meadowdale High
Visit Edmonds School District's website for event details.
NAACP Juneteenth Black Family Reunion
Watch this event live online at www.YouTube.com/NAACP
Contact:
Julie Moore, Public Affairs Officer
jmoore@LynnwoodWA.gov
425-670-5023
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