Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.\
This week, Congress passed a law making Juneteenth a federal holiday and the bill was signed into law on Thursday. Since June 19th falls on a Saturday this year, today marks the first time that federal employees will enjoy a day off in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day!
Participate in Local Events Celebrating Juneteenth
Juneteenth Events in Snohomish County
King County Library Juneteenth Events
Learn More About Juneteenth
King County Library Juneteenth Booklist
Juneteenth Celebrates Freedom from Slavery in US
Two-minute video on the history of Juneteenth
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience
Explore virtual programs, online museum exhibits and other resources, including activities for children and youth, from the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture.