This Friday is Juneteenth, the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Also known as Freedom Day Jubilee Day, and Cel-Liberation Day, celebrations date back as far as 1866.
Justice For Black Lives, an all-Seattle community group has been formed in response to the need for involvement from average citizens who want to take action against injustice and racism.
This Friday (6/19) there will be a protest march for Juneteenth that will go through Phinney and Ballard from 10am-2pm, and all community members are invited to participate. The march will gather at West Woodland Park Playground at 59th and Phinney Ave N. starting at 9:30am and begin the march to Ballard at 10am.
Justice For Black Lives founder Dmarkis Wigfall is a part of the Ballard community in his work Rudy’s barbershop, and has recruited the committee of organizers: twenty black/queer/POC/allies in the Seattle area. This group aims to leverage this space to empower the neighbors, clients, friends, and family who asked what they can do to help in these times of racial tension and uncertainty to use their voices and resources to fight against police violence and systemic racism.
“This is not a one time cause. Fighting for what is right is never easy, nor is it an overnight fix. This community represents a place to engage respectfully, peacefully, and orderly while we continue the dialogue about race in America.”
