Seattle-area organizations hold weekend Juneteenth events honoring historic holiday [Video]

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash. – The first “Juneteenth: More Than a Day” event started with the reading of a proclamation from the Mountlake Terrace mayor.

“I, Mayor Matsumoto, write on behalf of the city council hereby proclaim June 19th as Juneteenth Independence Day,” a speaker at the event read.

The Juneteenth event honored the freeing of the last of the slaves in Galveston, Texas, in 1865.

“It’s American history, not just African American history, and it’s something that’s near and dear to my heart,” Library Manager Isaac Harrison said.

Harrison helped spearhead Saturday’s event with the support of the city and Mountlake Terrace Library.

“My family is also from Texas, I also have family that was present at one of General Gordon’s stops when he was announcing to the slaves that slavery had ended,” Harrison said. “So, it’s always been important for me, I’ve celebrated my entire life.”

Lois Langer Thompson, executive director for Sno-Isle Libraries, …