City of Kirkland Recognizes Juneteenth as City Holiday

Published on June 08, 2023

06082023 Juneteenth Holiday

Media Contact:
Sue Romero
Communications Program Coordinator
sromero@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 587-3017


KIRKLAND, Wash. – The City of Kirkland is recognizing Juneteenth as an annual City holiday in commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Beginning this year, Kirkland City Hall, City community centers, and public City facilities and services will be closed all day Monday, June 19, in observance of the holiday. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational.

“In 2020, the City Council adopted legislation related to examining and dismantling institutional and structural racism in Kirkland.” said Kirkland Councilmember Amy Falcone. “Recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday acknowledges the struggles and celebrates the triumphs of Black Americans, and it reaffirms our City’s commitment to doing the hard and necessary work to fight injustice and transform our community into one that is equitable for everyone.”

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19 every year, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in the U.S.  Juneteenth recognizes the day of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed by Major General Gordon Granger that they were “free,” ending 246 years of slavery. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863.

Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes African American education, achievements, and culture in the U.S. in every industry including the military, politics, engineering, art, music and more. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, special events, picnics, and family gatherings.

This year, Eastside For All will be hosting an Eastside Honoring Juneteenth event in Kirkland at Juanita Beach Park on June 17, with speakers, live entertainment, education, food, and more.  Event information is available online.

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