Juneteenth Celebration coming up June 19 in Kent

Published 1:42 pm Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Seattle jazz guitarist Michael Powers will be among the guest entertainers at the fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 19, presented by the Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC).

The free event commemorates African-American freedom and will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Morrill Meadows Park, 10600 SE 248th St.

Juneteenth turns 151 this year. It has been 151 years since the word of the signing, on Sept. 22, 1862, of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. Each year on or about June 19, celebrations take place across the United States to remember and pay homage of the historic day.

“We will sing dance, showcase local talent, celebrate our students and share African American culture with the community,” said Gwen Allen-Carston, KBAC executive director.

Vendors, food, games, music, youth essays and speakers are part of the celebration. Because the event falls on Father’s Day, the activities are more family oriented this year than previous years.

Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke will issue a proclamation for Juneteenth at the City Council meeting on June 7.

For more information or to help sponsor the event, go to kentblackactioncommission.com.