Juneteenth Marches And Rallies Planned For Seattle

SEATTLE, WA — On June 19, 1865, the union army marching on Galveston, Texas announced that all the slaves within Texas were free. They were the last enslaved people in the United States, and every year Juneteenth is celebrated as a reminder of both their emancipation and the final eradication of slavery in the United States at large. Though Juneteenth is not a national holiday, it is recognized in 47 states including Washington, and Friday thousands of people across the Evergreen State are expected to join together with their communities to celebrate it.

Here's a look at some of the many events that will be happening across Seattle:

Juneteenth Freedom March & Celebration

The King County Equity Now Coalition is a collection of Black-led community organizations demanding greater public investment in Black communities and businesses, especially in Seattle's Central District.

Friday, they have organized a march starting at 2 p.m. which will run from 22nd and Madison down 23rd to Jimi Hendrix Park. Afterwards a celebration will be held with music, food and more.

More information about their event and their cause can be found on www.kingcountyequitynow.com/

Juneteenth March For Justice & Equality

Justice for Black Lives is hosting a similar march in northern Seattle to speak out against systemic racism and police violence.

Their event will begin a rally and public speakers at West Woodland Park at 10 a.m. At 11:30, they'll march towards the Ballard neighborhood, ending at Bergen Place Park around 2 p.m.

More information on that rally can be found at their Facebook event here.

Shutdown of All Pacific Coast Ports

Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) will be shutting down ports across the west coast in recognition of Juneteenth, including the Port of Seattle.

At 9 a.m. union members will be marching from their Local 19 Hall on Marginal Way S to Pier 46. Then at 10, there will be a rally at the pier that will end with a march to the Washington Department of Corrections on 4th Avenue S. Anyone is invited to join either leg of the march, regardless of if they're a part of the union.

More information on the port shutdown can be found at their Facebook event here.

Seattle City Council also signed a proclamation Wednesday officially recognizing Juneteenth.