Kent celebrates Juneteenth | SLIDESHOW

Mic in hand, the Rev. Jimmie James pointed to the sunny skies and urged followers to take up a chant.

KBAC’s Juneteenth celebration attracted a good crowd at Morrill Meadows Park last Saturday. A girl passes by the official Juneteenth flag.

KBAC’s Juneteenth celebration attracted a good crowd at Morrill Meadows Park last Saturday. A girl passes by the official Juneteenth flag.

Mic in hand, the Rev. Jimmie James pointed to the sunny skies and urged followers to take up a chant.

“Let’s do business, let’s do business,” James told the gathering at Morrill Meadows Park last Saturday. “Actions speak louder than words, and it’s time for us to build business and to build community.”

James and his emphatic delivery set the tone at the Kent Black Action Commission’s third annual Juneteenth celebration, “Launching a Legacy,” at the East Hill park.

James encouraged the African-American community to become involved, invest and promote business – in Kent.

“We can do it right now,” he said. “We can get it done right now.”

The Juneteenth event – KBAC’s community-wide outreach program – featured processions, information, vendors, food, entertainment and guest speakers. Juneteenth commemoratesAfrican-American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.

The program, designed to engage the community, was an opportunity to share African-American culture and history, said Gwen Allen-Carston, KBAC executive director, who was pleased with the turnout.

The event attracted 350 people, Allen-Carston estimated by mid-afternoon, with more families coming into the park.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This year marks 151 years since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19 as the African-American Emancipation Day has spread throughout the country, including Kent.

Juneteenth is now recognized as a state holiday or state holiday observance in 41 states.

=====




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20

t
Kent man, 19, faces multiple charges after pursuit near Wenatchee

Driver reportedly fails to stop for state trooper, crashes stolen vehicle along State Route 97

Kent School District Board Director Awale Farah, left, and Superintendent Israel Vela at a high school graduation last summer. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Says because of ‘family commitments’ he cannot fulfill rest of his term that expires in November 2025

t
Kent’s Lower Russell Levee project receives John Spellman Award

City, King County Flood District and other partners recognized for historic preservation

Northwood Middle School, 17007 SE 184th St., in unincorporated part of King County in Renton and part of the Kent School District. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Calls about man trying to access Northwood Middle School causes lockdown

Deputies arrest man for investigation of resisting arrest, obstruction at Kent School District property