Juneteenth has always been more than just a holiday for me. Long before it was nationally recognized, it was a cherished tradition in my hometown of Pasco, WA a small but mighty corner of the Tri-Cities, rich with the spirit of Southern migration, resilience, and love.
As a Black woman raised in Pasco, I grew up surrounded by a village of families who had journeyed from places like Georgia, Louisiana, and Arkansas. They moved to seek opportunity but brought with them something even more powerful: culture, strength, and an unwavering commitment to community. Their Southern roots run deep, and from them blossomed a close-knit Black community that embraced its history and nurtured every child like their own.
Every Juneteenth, our parks came alive with the smell of barbecue, the sound of soulful music, and the joy of Black folks gathering in love and remembrance. Elders told stories, kids played freely, and we honored the significance of June 19, 1865—the day when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
That deep sense of celebration rooted in pain, progress, and pride shaped my understanding of what it means to be Black in America. It also taught me that freedom is not just a moment in history, but a journey we continue together.
Now, living and working in Seattle, I carry that same spirit with me. The Pacific Northwest isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when people think of Black history or Southern migration. But our presence here is powerful, and it’s growing. We’re creating new villages in neighborhoods, in community centers, and at block parties. We’re planting seeds of joy and remembrance, just like our elders did back in Pasco.
That’s why I’m so proud to invite you to our 2nd Annual Block Party on July 12th at 722 18th Ave. It’s a continuation of that legacy of coming together in love, celebration, and community. We’ll have music, food, art, and above all, we’ll have each other. It’s more than just an event; it’s a moment to honor our ancestors, lift each other up, and move forward with joy.
Celebrating Juneteenth in Seattle is about remembering where we come from and envisioning where we’re going. It’s about creating space for our stories to be heard, our culture to be honored, and our people to be free in every sense of the word.
So again, on July 12th, come celebrate with us. Bring your family, your friends, your full self. Because every time we gather in joy and truth, we make freedom that much more real.
By Wendy Armour, a Black Woman Raised in the Village of Pasco, WA
