Juneteenth is the celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. Two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, freedom was finally granted to African Americans in Texas when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay on June 19, 1865, and, by executive decree, freed 250,000 enslaved people. Since 1865 Juneteenth has grown into a day dedicated to learning, sharing, and giving respect to the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans.
"How massively we have come over the past two centuries, but there are still things that are the same. The feeling of wanting a space, a place that I do not have to justify my existence. My basic human need for dignity and human rights. The value that I bring to society and more specially my culture that has enhanced every civilization my ancestors have been connected to still lingers with me in this background.” Garrett expressed when sharing the story of his late great grandfather, a runaway slave.
JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING
On Thursday, June 18, Dominic Williams, one of our newest Equity Commissioners, joined Mayor Pavone, city council, city staff, and residents to raise the Juneteenth Flag. This is the second year the city has raised the Juneteenth Flag in recognition of the holiday.
Williams reflected on how long two and a half years is, the time it took for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas to learn they were free.
“What’s heartbreaking is that they had actually been legally free for more than two years. Two and a half years, to be exact. Think about two and a half years ago... Simone Biles hadn’t won her medals in the Paris Olympics... Beyonce was still in her Renaissance era. And Seahawks fans were still waiting for another Super Bowl championship.”
Williams ended his speech, hopeful that, “Even though Juneteenth was one of the last holidays to be recognized nationally, that it becomes one of our most meaningful holidays and one of the holidays we’re most proud to celebrate.”
Watch a recap of the 2026 Juneteenth flag raising on our YouTube channel.
JUNETEENTH GAME DAY POP-UP TOMORROW
Friday, June 19, Elevate PR/BlackLoveMarket and the City of Renton are hosting a Juneteenth Game Day Pop-Up at Piazza Park. The celebration will include international pop-up market, local small businesses, live cultural performances, food vendors, and art and community activities.
Learn more on the event page here.
Learn more about our Community Celebrations at rentonwa.gov/communitycelebrations.