How To Celebrate Juneteenth 2019 In Puget Sound

SEATTLE, WA — Washington had just become a territory in 1855 when a white man named James Tilton moved to Olympia to serve as a land surveyor. Forced to come with Tilton was a 13-year-old boy named Charles Mitchell, Tilton's slave.

The story of Mitchell's enslavement and eventual escape to Canada was chronicled in the book "Free Boy: A True Story of Slave and Master." It's a reminder that the United States' slave-owning past touched every corner of the nation, even the relatively unpopulated Pacific Northwest.

On Wednesday, millions of people across the U.S. will observe the Juneteenth holiday. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers told slaves located near Galveston, Texas, that they were free. That first Juneteenth came two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed some slaves, but left others in chains.

Texas was the last state the Union Army reached, and so the 1865 declaration was seen as the real date slaves were freed, according to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. The day is now recognized as a holiday or day of observance in 45 states, including Washington.

Here are some events going on in the Puget Sound for Juneteenth 2019. If you have an event you'd like to have listed, email neal.mcnamara@patch.com.

YMCA of Greater Seattle Juneteenth Potluck
From event page: The YMCA of Greater Seattle African American Resource Network invites you to participate in our 2019 Juneteenth Potluck celebrating history, music, food, and freedom. The Juneteenth celebration is a free event honoring the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The event takes place on June 19 from 1:00pm- 3 p.m. at the West Seattle YMCA. This event will include inspirational talks, music, and fellowship. We will also have a dessert bake off. Lunch is being provided by Jones BBQ.

Free Juneteenth Storytelling In Southeast Seattle
From the event page: The focus of this year’s activity will be on people telling and sharing stories people might have about Juneteenth or if they and experiences about Juneteenth or living in Seattle.

NAACP Snohomish County Juneteenth Celebration
From the event page: This year we will be near the water so be ready to stay cool! We will have another community potluck and hope you can bring a dish! Bring the family and friends as we celebrate the end of slavery and the spread of freedom! We will have music, education, and speeches, for all to enjoy!

#Blackgirlsrollerskate Juneteenth Celebration!
From the event page: We are getting together to celebrate OUR freedom by hosting a potluck style BBQ/skate event on Juneteenth at Judkins Park (5 p.m. — 9 p.m.). There will be grills, music, raffle prizes, and lots of good people having a good time. ALL are WELCOME to this FREE event. This is a kid-friendly event. Skating is optional, but highly encouraged.

Juneteenth Community BBQ
From the event page: Come celebrate OUR independence together the old school way.... with food, music, cards, "bones", kick ball, and lots of love and laughs. Bring a dish, drink, dessert or whatever you'd like to share with the FAM.

Renton Juneteenth Celebration (June 22)
Presented by Renton African American Pastoral Group, the city of Renton, and Harambee Church. The celebration includes art, movies, discussions, food, speakers, prizes, and more.

Linda Sweezer Memorial Juneteenth Festival & Celebration (June 22)
From the city of Kent: The opening ceremony will begin at 10:30 am. This is a free family friendly event with lunch provided by KBAC. There will be games for the children and no Juneteenth would be complete without our community dance.