Celebrating Juneteenth: Reflecting, Learning, and Moving Toward True Equity

At the heart of a thriving community is the belief that freedom, equity, and joy belong to everyone. As we approach June 19th, we are proud to honor Juneteenth, a vital piece of our history, a celebration of Black freedom, and a reminder of our ongoing commitment to inclusion and justice.

Understanding the History

Juneteenth marks a monumental turning point in American history. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, the news and true enforcement of freedom did not reach enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, until two and a half years later—on June 19, 1865.

Also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Liberation Day, this date became an official federal holiday, because it represents a collective milestone for American freedom.

Moving Values into Action

Honoring Juneteenth is about more than looking back; it is about examining our present. For CCAC, our inclusive values require us to lean into a continuous, active reckoning with the systemic inequities that still impact children, early learning professionals, and families of color today. True equity in early childhood education means actively dismantling these barriers so that every family has access to quality, affordable care, and every provider is valued and supported.

To build a truly inclusive future, we must commit to learning, listening, and working together within our families, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods.

Honor, Celebrate, and Learn Locally

We encourage our community to spend time this week engaging with the history, joy, and deep significance of Juneteenth. Below is a growing list of community celebrations and educational resources across our region.

Local Celebrations & Events

• Tacoma Juneteenth Festival – A vibrant community gathering featuring local Black-owned businesses, live music, food trucks, and family activities.
• Olympia Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom – An annual gathering emphasizing community unity, historical reflection, and performance arts.
• Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) – Offering an incredible lineup of virtual and in-person events celebrating Black freedom and culture across the Pacific Northwest.

Educational Resources for Families & Educators

• The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth (National Museum of African American History and Culture) – An in-depth look at the historical timeline and cultural traditions of the day.
• NMAAHC Kids: Understanding and Celebrating Juneteenth – Thoughtful, age-appropriate conversation starters and activities to help young children understand freedom and fairness.
• Juneteenth Reading Lists for All Ages – Finding diverse children’s books is a wonderful way to introduce the concepts of history, resilience, and joy to little ones. Look for titles like The History of Juneteenth by Arlisha Norwood or Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper at your local library.