Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and recognize the work that continues to build stronger communities for future generations.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865—the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. In 2021, Washington state officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday, and shortly thereafter it became a federal holiday.
As we observe Juneteenth, we are reminded that learning from history helps us build a more informed, connected, and inclusive future. For organizations like Imagine, that future includes supporting families, strengthening local businesses, expanding educational opportunities, and helping communities flourish.
Supporting Black Excellence Through Education
One organization making a lasting impact in Washington State is BRAVE (Building Resilience and Valuing Education).
In August 2026, BRAVE will support Washington families through its Black History Tour of Excellence, taking youth and families to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta, Georgia, and Alabama.
Previous tours in 2019, 2020, and 2024 brought participants to Washington, D.C., where they explored Black history firsthand, visited HBCUs, and experienced examples of Black excellence beyond what can be found in textbooks.
As BRAVE’s leadership often reminds participants, Black History Month reminds us of where we’ve been, while the Black History Tour reminds us of where we’re going.
Community members interested in supporting BRAVE’s mission are encouraged to learn more about the organization’s work and consider contributing to help send Washington families on future tours.
For more history on previous BHE tours, please watch this short video.
If you are interested in supporting Brave’s mission to send Washington families on this tour, please consider contributing by selecting this link to the donation page.
Celebrate Juneteenth in Community
Juneteenth at NAAM is a powerful reminder of what it means to honor the past while gathering in the present through joy, creativity, movement, and community. Centered around this year’s theme, The Sound of Connection, our 2026 Juneteenth Celebration invites people of all ages to come together for a day rooted in rhythm, reflection, expression, and unity.
From vibrant programs across the Museum and Judkins Park to the return of our beloved Skate to Freedom Party, this year’s celebration will feature local artists, Community Conversations, hands-on family activities, Living Voices performances, a FIFA World Cup watch party, local organizations, small businesses, food vendors, sports activations, and more.
Through art, storytelling, wellness, education, and celebration, we honor the legacy of Juneteenth while creating space for renewal, belonging, and collective joy.
Moving Forward Together
We encourage our community to take time this Juneteenth to learn, reflect, celebrate, and support organizations working to create brighter futures for children and families across Washington state.
Happy Juneteenth.