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“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Malcolm X
June brings us into the joys of graduation and commencement season. The term commencement resonates with me because it symbolizes a beginning as opposed to completion of a program often attributed to a graduation.
When I was in ninth grade, a teacher told me that a day without learning is a day wasted. It took years for me to embrace what it truly meant to be a lifelong learner. Reflecting on this lesson and the quote above, we should strive to learn something new every day to better prepare for the days ahead and define our own pathways. To close our minds to learning is to set our future on a path outside of our control.
In our efforts to ensure that Snohomish County is a place that supports all who live, work, and play here, our leadership team has commenced on an educational journey to improve healthy communication and belonging in the workplace. Over the next few months, staff will also be provided with opportunities to enhance their learning and share experiences across departments to build understanding throughout our organization and community.
One of the key topics presented was the concept of “parental tapes." This asks us to reflect on the lessons we learned from our parents and community when we were growing, and to question how these tapes influence our thinking and actions today. We often talk about how the world has shifted in so many ways. Do we ask ourselves if our thinking has shifted or whether it should shift based on where we are today? More to come on this topic.
I look forward to this opportunity to learn and grow with so many amazing people. Please stay tuned and reach out to us with any questions or if you have anything to share.
With gratitude and determination,
Wil Johnson
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Snohomish County Executive Office
Where Was OSJ in MAY
May (also April) was filled with celebrations, galas, and fundraising events. My major takeaway is there is a lot going on and there remains a lot of need across our communities.
From organizations such as Domestic Violence Services, NAACP, Zonta, Sherwood Community Services, Cocoon House, ChildStrive, numerous education foundations, and more, there are many people doing amazing work. Yet there are people who do not know about or do not have access to these resources.
I encourage you to learn about resources and to share them far and wide so that those in need are more aware and connected. Also, if you are able, see how you can show support. I have heard numerous times from these organizations, anything is appreciated. Thank you for all you do to help us prepare for the future.
We were grateful to participate in many recent events, including:
Accessibility can look different for everyone. For some, it’s being able to move through buildings or use public transit without obstacles. For others, it’s accessing digital content with assistive tools, getting materials in different formats, or attending events with sign language interpretation. The details may vary, but the purpose is the same: removing barriers so everyone has access to the things they need.
Accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It’s a commitment to understanding and supporting the wide range of cognitive, sensory, and physical needs people experience. It means recognizing that individuals interact with the world in different ways, and then continually improving to meet the needs of all people.
Snohomish County is committed to ensuring accessible government for all. Our mission is to meet opportunities and needs of Snohomish County’s residents efficiently, equitably, creatively, and collaboratively. Equitable access to public information and public spaces is integral to that mission.
If you need help navigating accessibility needs related to Snohomish County government information or services, you may contact Cortney Murphy with the Office of Social Justice by email at cortney.murphy@snoco.org or by phone at 425-262-2132.
Snohomish County’s Office of Social Justice investment initiative strives to promote equitable participation by all individuals in social, civic, and economic endeavors within Snohomish County. This investment opportunity focuses on these goals so together we can have an impact for our families and future generations.
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and the Snohomish County Council committed money to address the causes of systemic forms of discrimination and exclusion through efforts to work together to find solutions. This money has been divided up equally throughout the year to support and collaborate with organizations who are focused on our shared goals of advancing social justice throughout Snohomish County through:
- Community Outreach
- Community Impact
- Fostering Diversity and Inclusivity
Please note that only non-profit organizations who have not received funding during the current calendar year from the Office of Social Justice will be considered for this specific sponsorship period. All projects that advance social justice and promote equitable treatment of all individuals will be considered; however, priority will be given to organizations whose project will impact youth, family, and elders.
The process includes completing an application. Investment awards are for up to $5,000 and require an agreement with reporting requirements.
We will begin accepting applications on June 15.
Applications must be submitted by the deadline on June 26.
Once the applications have been reviewed by our Community Investment Initiative panel, we will begin notifying recipients on July 15.
All required documents must be received by July 31.
Funds will be issued to the recipients by the end of August.
Please visit our website for more information.
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The Office of Social Justice will host an in‑person meet and greet at Obsidian Beer Hall located in downtown Everett on June 10 at 5pm.
Join us for a friendly gathering to connect with community partners, chat about the upcoming Community Investment Initiative, answer questions and spark conversations.
Help us keep the positive energy growing as we work together to support our community.
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Sound Transit is seeking diverse community representatives from Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties to serve on its Diversity Oversight Committee (DOC). This is an opportunity for individuals passionate about economic and small business development to help ensure Sound Transit’s projects and initiatives are inclusive and equitable.
The Diversity Oversight Committee guides and oversees Sound Transit’s economic and workforce development initiatives. Members play a key role in representing small businesses, trade and craft organizations, and communities affected by transit projects.
Pride Month
LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), intersex, asexual, plus) Pride Month is a month dedicated to the celebration, commemoration and contributions made by the LGBTQIA+ community to history, society and cultures worldwide.
Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQIA+ Americans. In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQIA+ Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices.
Today, celebrations include Pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, and concerts, to name a few examples. LGBTQIA+ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. The purpose of this commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQIA+ individuals have on history locally, nationally, and internationally.
On June 1, Snohomish County hosted its sixth annual Pride Resource Fair and Flag Raising at the main county campus where the Pride Flag will proudly fly throughout the month at the Oakes Flag Plaza.
This year’s Resource Fair brought together community members, local organizations, and county departments. It was a tremendous success. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate, connect, and show their support for the 2026 Pride Resource Fair and Flag Raising.
Events like this thrive because of your enthusiasm and community engagement. Your support brings these moments to life and keeps them growing every year. We can’t wait to see you in 2027!
If you weren’t able to attend the flag-raising, you can catch some of the remarks and highlights in this SCTV video from the event.
WSU Snohomish County Extension Sustainable Community Stewards
Snohomish County Human Services team with the Office of Community and Homeless Services
The team from Globe
The team from WA Cares Fund
 Juneteenth National Independence Day also called “Juneteenth”, “Freedom Day”, and “Emancipation Day” is an annual celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday began in Galveston, Texas in the late 1800s and is the longest-running African American holiday in America.
Snohomish County became the first county in Washington State to officially fly the Juneteenth flag proclaiming June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day in Snohomish County. The County remains committed to honoring Juneteenth. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Juneteenth flag will rise again in celebration of freedom, resilience, and community progress. The Snohomish County Juneteenth Flag‑Raising event is open to all who wish to attend.
Juneteenth is celebrated throughout Snohomish County with vibrant events that uplift African American culture, history, and vitality. Community gatherings feature lively music, delicious food, engaging educational activities, and meaningful conversations. These celebrations bring the residents together, promoting understanding, connection, and unity across the county.
Please join the Office of Social justice and special guest speakers to honor this day on June 18. If you are unable to join us on campus, we encourage you to explore Juneteenth celebrations taking place in the community.
Men's Health & Mental Health Month
There’s a lot of emphasis on men’s physical health, but mental well‑being is equally important. Caring for your mind is one of the strongest things you can do for yourself because mental health is health.
While men’s mental health often goes unspoken, acknowledging it is a powerful step toward healing and strength. You can help by starting conversations, sharing resources, and creating safe spaces that challenge stereotypes and encourage men to express vulnerability and seek support.
Mental health conditions can affect any man, and in some cases, they impact certain groups disproportionately. According to the CDC, LGBTQ+ men are more likely to experience mental health challenges than their straight and cisgender counterparts. Adults with disabilities are also nearly five times more likely to report frequent mental health distress compared to adults without disabilities.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) men experience mental health conditions at similar rates to white men yet often face reduced access to mental health care. Many rely more heavily on community support when professional resources are limited, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive care and accessible services.
Immigrant Heritage Month
Immigrant Heritage Month is a month-long celebration that acknowledges the diverse cultures, histories, and stories of immigrants across the nation.
It serves as a powerful reminder of how immigrants enrich America economically, culturally, and socially encouraging everyone to celebrate this rich tapestry of shared heritage and cultural contributions that strengthen our communities.
Alzheimers's & Brain Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are affecting families and communities around the world at an alarming rate. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death, and it remains the only one among the top ten that cannot yet be prevented, cured, or slowed. These realities highlight the urgent need for support, research, and hope for those impacted.
Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia provide the greatest opportunity for effective care, management, and treatment. Timely diagnosis also gives individuals more time to plan for the future, participate in clinical trials, and maintain the highest possible quality of life for as long as they can.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month
PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect anyone, at any age, after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These events can include military combat, sexual or physical violence, natural disasters, or serious accidents.
It’s completely normal to have stress reactions after a traumatic experience such as intrusive memories, feeling on edge, or difficulty sleeping. When these symptoms last longer than a few months, they may be signs of PTSD.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms, it’s important to know that support is available. There are effective treatments and resources designed to help people navigate PTSD and move toward healing. No one has to face it alone.
Cancer Survivor Month
This Sunday, June 7, communities nationwide will celebrate the 39th annual National Cancer Survivors Day, a heartfelt tribute to everyone living with a history of cancer. June also marks National Cancer Survivors Month, honoring the 18.6 million survivors across the country and the loved ones who support them.
Beyond the initial battle, survivors often navigate a wide range of challenges that can feel overwhelming. Yet every journey is unique, and every survivor carries a strength shaped by their own experience.
Thanks to ongoing scientific discoveries, many of the physical and emotional hardships that once felt insurmountable are now better understood, prevented, or eased. More importantly, each survivor’s courage, perseverance, and hope shine through the ongoing emotional, physical, and financial obstacles they may encounter.
This acknowledgment honors not just the fight against cancer, but the remarkable resilience that carries survivors forward each day with hope and compassion.
Children's Awareness Month
Children’s Awareness Month reminds us that caring for kids is a shared responsibility. Every child’s experience is shaped by their unique circumstances—family, culture, environment, and the challenges they face.
Listening is one of the most powerful ways we can support them. When we create space for honest conversations, creativity, and calm, we show children their voices matter.
Awareness is the starting point for care, advocacy, and lasting change. This month, let’s commit to creating spaces where every child feels safe, valued, and heard. Awareness is an ongoing practice, and every child deserves to be seen.
Gun Violence Awareness Month
Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. Mass shootings, domestic violence, and suicide all contribute to this ongoing crisis. Raising awareness throughout June helps amplify the voices of survivors and supports efforts to promote gun safety laws that can prevent future tragedies.
You can join Gun Violence Awareness Month in simple, meaningful ways such as wearing orange, supporting advocacy efforts, or even hosting your own awareness event. The Wear Orange movement has grown into a colorful, nationwide moment of solidarity, bringing together millions of people, including survivors, advocates, and celebrities.
What began as a small gesture has become a bright, energetic platform that amplifies the voices of impacted communities and highlights the ongoing work toward safety and change across the country.
Learning Disability Week
Learning Disability Week celebrated from June 15 - June 21, matters because it reminds us that everyone experiences the world in their own unique way. People with learning disabilities may communicate, understand situations, or process information different which is part of the incredible diversity of human minds. Their experiences can vary widely depending on the type of disability, but each perspective adds value and insight.
This week is a reminder that with understanding, inclusion, and the right tools, every person can learn in their own way and succeed. It’s about celebrating strengths, challenging stigma, and championing support systems that truly make a difference.
You can get involved and show support this week by raising awareness, campaigning for equity and inclusion, celebrating achievements, donating to organizations that support people with learning disabilities, and volunteering your time.
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day led by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) invites all of us to pause and truly see the millions of people who have been forced from their homes by war, violence, and persecution every June 20. It is a moment to honor their remarkable courage as they rebuild their lives often in places completely unfamiliar and to appreciate the generosity of the communities that welcome and support them.
Many refugees arrive in host countries with only the clothes they are wearing, carrying the weight of lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. World Refugee Day gently reminds us that behind every number is a person with a story, talents, and dreams that deserve to be nurtured.
This day calls on us to rise above indifference and let compassion guide our actions, so refugees can find the safety, dignity, and opportunity every human being deserves. It invites us to open our hearts as we work together to shape a world that is kinder, more welcoming, and more deeply connected.
June local community events and gatherings are here! We encourage you to participate in any event that is meaningful to you.
- June is Pride Month and it wouldn't be complete without events taking place in and around Snohomish County. Be sure to check out a parade, festival, workshop and gathering to celebrate!
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Miracle League at the Monroe Rotary Field is a baseball program designed for individuals with diverse abilities requiring additional assistance to play. Admission is FREE from June 4 - June 6 and starts at 9am. Rotary Field is located at 372 Sky River Pkwy, Monroe 98272.
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Sorticulture, Everett's Garden Arts Festival located along Colby Ave from Everett to Pacific Aves. and Hewitt to California in downtown Everett from June 5 - June 7. Be sure to go say hi to Ciscoe Morris on Sunday, June 7 at 1pm.
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PAWSwalk Kickoff Festival to celebrate Pet Appreciation Week at the Civic Center Playfield at 598 Edmonds St, Edmonds 98020 on June 7 from 11am - 3pm. Admission is free!
- Soccer fans can enjoy the FIFA World Cup soccer games at various watch parties throughout Snohomish County. Be sure to check out a game or two at your favorite venue (to name a few). For more watch parties near you, please visit your city's events page.
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The Great Soccer Ball Hunt celebrates the FIFA World Cup soccer games. Scattered in park around Snohomish County you can find the buoy soccer balls. Join the hunt and fun this summer!
- Juneteenth Flag Raising at Snohomish County Campus located at 3000 Rockefeller, Everett 98201 on June 18 from 3pm - 4pm. Come support and celebrate with the community. We look forward to seeing you!
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NAACP Juneteenth Community Celebration at the Martha Lake County Park, 16300 E Shore Dr, Lynnwood 98087 on June 20 from 11am - 3pm is a day dedicated to honoring freedom, culture, and community. This event is open to the community.
- For more Juneteenth Celebrations in Snohomish County, click here.
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Snohomish County District Court DEIA Committee
invites you to an online scavenger hunt!
Find the answers online and submit them by 5pm on June 12 for a chance to win a gift bag of goodies made by local BIPOC owned businesses!
Goodies include three 4oz whole bean coffees from Boon Boona Coffee, Campfire Coffee Company, and Jett Fuel Java, an Artisan cookie assortment by Pickney Cookies, merchandise from Zuri’s Donuts in Lynnwood, and possibly more! Winners will be contacted and their goodies delivered to them by June18.
For an extra entry to win a gift bag you can:
- Submit a picture of yourself visiting a local BIPOC owned business
- Share a podcast or book you’ve read about Juneteenth or was written by a BIPOC author
Please send all entries to: Crystal.Almgren@snoco.org
Stay tuned for more events in our community!
Have an inclusive community event you'd like to share? Send event details to osj@snoco.org. Due to space constraints, not all submissions can be published.
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