Reporter staff
The Kent Black Action Commission presents the fourth annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 20, at Morrill Meadows Park.
Activities – from keynote speakers to vendors, food to live music – unfold throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the park, 10600 SE 248th St., Kent.
The event is free and open to the community.
Juneteenth turns 150 this year. The celebration commemorates the day, June 19, 1865, when Americans of African descent learned of their freedom, in Texas. The signing on Sept. 22, 1862 of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston, Texas, over 2½ years later on June 19, 1865.
Each year, on or about June 19, celebrations take place throughout the country to remember and pay homage of the historic day.
The Kent celebration showcase local talent, celebrates students and shares African American culture with the community. The day includes games, live music, essays from youth and an appearance by the Buffalo Soldiers.
A KBAC hosted and ticketed meal is from noon to 2 p.m.
Event sponsors are being sought. Donations can be made via the Kent Black Action Commission Go Fund Me account: www.gofundme.com/sum6bs.
If you are interested in supporting the event, please contact KBAC. You can leave a message of interest on its voice-message number: 253-852-0614, or contact Gwen Allen-Carston at 253-486-9029, Linda Sweezer at 206-291-6483, or Charmaine Boston at 206-851-7521.
For more information, visit www.kentblackactioncommission.com and follow KBAC on Facebook.
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