sign in sign up
<<
Home , Freedman, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, Seattle Medium

CELEBRATING 2021

Special Commemorative Supplement To The Medium

JUNE 19, 1865 Sponsored by PAGE 2, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION Juneteenth: The Story Behind The Holiday By Jeffrey L. Boney On , 1865, Union Major , even without having any specific became a life-changing event for many Special to The Seattle Medium from The General and 2,000 federal place to go. Black families, which is why it is widely Forward Times troops arrived in Galveston, to Many of the “newly-freed” slaves left celebrated today. Juneteenth is a part of our African deliver a decree concerning the their respective plantations in order to Juneteenth eventually spread to American family history and it should not emancipation of Africans held in slavery in experience what their first taste of freedom Houston and to more than 26 other states, ever be ignored. the South. One of General Granger’s first would be like. Because most of these where it began to be celebrated annually. Juneteenth marks the day African orders of business in Galveston as he stood “newly-freed” slaves were smart enough to According to many Houston historians, in the state of Texas belatedly on the shores of Galveston was to read know that if someone decided to renege on civil rights activist and noted African received word that President Abraham General Order Number 3 to all the people their legislative decision to allow them to American political consultant Rev. C. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had of Texas, especially the slaves, which read: remain free or decided to change their Anderson Davis, was the original author freed the nation’s slaves. “The people of Texas are informed minds, they wanted to be long gone before and sole drafter of the Juneteenth Although President that, in accordance with a proclamation anyone would ever think about taking away Proclamation, which in 1979, was used by had issued the Emancipation Proclamation from the Executive of the , all this new found freedom they were Texas State Representative to on September 22, 1862, the state of Texas, slaves are free. This involves an absolute experiencing. sponsor House Bill 1016 to officially make as a part of the Confederacy, was resistant equality of personal rights and rights of Many of the “newly-freed” slaves June 19th (Juneteenth) a state holiday in to the Emancipation Proclamation. The property, between former masters and moved up north as their destination choice, Texas, the first official holiday in the nation Emancipation Proclamation had little slaves and the connection heretofore because it represented true freedom and had for Black people. impact on the state of Texas due to the existing between them, becomes that embraced the legal emancipation of slaves It is important to remember Juneteenth minimal number of Union troops to enforce between employer and hired labor. The for years prior. and the rich history that Black people have the new Executive Order in the state. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their Many other former slaves moved to in this country. It is also important to Emancipation Proclamation had originally present homes and work for wages. They neighboring states to Texas, such as remember many of our ancestors and the taken effect on 1, 1863, but word are informed that they will not be allowed , and Arkansas. many important historical figures that didn’t reach Texas until two months after to collect at military posts; and they will not Settling into these new areas as freedmen played a major part in helping establish the Confederate General Robert E. Lee be supported in idleness either there or and freedwomen brought on new realities freedoms and traditions we continue to surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, elsewhere.” and the challenges of establishing a status appreciate year after year - such as which was more than two years after the Upon receiving this news, many of of relevance for Blacks in this country. celebrating Juneteenth. actual Emancipation Proclamation was these “newly-freed” slaves began making And of course, Juneteenth became an When it comes to , issued. plans to forward with a life post- important day for Blacks in this country and Juneteenth is our Independence Day. Mary Mahoney Nurses CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH

Mary Mahoney Profession- est known African American ognized the need to provide cluding recent education and al Nurses Organization Professional organization scholarship to students of involvement in clinics for re- (MMPNO) joins our com- in Washington State. They African descent who desired ducing the level and spread of munity in celebrating June- named the organization in careers in Nursing. The 2021 Covit-19 in the King Coun- teenth as an historical day of honor of Mary Eliza Ma- applications for scholarships ty area. MMPNO partnered significance to remember all honey, the first colored gradu- will be posted on the MMP- with The Center for Multicul- the sacrifices and contribu- ate nurse in the United States. NO website (www.maryma- tural Health, GayCity and El tions to the growth and devel- honey.org). Centro de la Raza in providing opment of our United States. As these nurses supported Pfizer vaccines to youth ages each other, during an era In addition to scholarships, 12 and older on June 13th in Formed by 13 African Amer- when African American RNs members provide mentoring the “Celebration of Self” for ican Registered Nurses in had to struggle for opportuni- for students and communi- Juneteenth, Pride Month and 1949, MMPNO is the old- ty and success, they also rec- ty public health services, in- API Heritage Month. THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 3 PAGE 4, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 5 The Fight Is Over – The State Of Washington Officially Recognizes Juneteenth As A Holiday By Aaron Allen brought it back [during a legislative session The Seattle Medium “It is time that we acknowledge where we were approving a] larger budget During the past legislative session, the this. We acknowledge every other and it passed.” Washington State Legislature approved HB culture’s holidays even ones that While the notion of slavery represents 1106 designating June 19th, or Juneteenth as are not on the books like Cinco De a dark time in American history, Lovick it is affectionately referred to, as an official Mayo, we celebrate those every believes that the acknowledgement of state holiday. The measure signed into law Juneteenth as a state holiday will provide by Gov. Jay Inslee on May 13, 2021 will year, this one here is about the the descendants of American slaves and also recognize Juneteenth as an official paid history of our people and the way those who benefitted from their labor an holiday for public employees beginning in our country has been formulated in annual opportunity to reflect on the true 2021. its laws and the systemic history of this country, to reconcile and to In recognizing Juneteenth, the brought upon us. That is why this heal. legislation, sponsored by State Rep. “This will be a wonderful time for us Melanie Morgan (D-Tacoma) with the is so important.” to come together,” says Lovick. “Bring the support of Rep. John Lovick (D-Mill — St. Rep. Melanie Morgan community together to learn the history of Creek) and State Sen. T’wina Nobles (D- Prime Sponsor of HB 1016 those who endured slavery, overcame Tacoma), stated that “the legislature intends slavery and really understand what it took to designate Juneteenth as a state legal To many, the passage of the Juneteenth State began an aggressive push towards and the sacrifices they made and really get holiday to celebrate the end of chattel Holiday Bill signifies the changing of the establishing a day of recognition on June and appreciate what our ancestors endured slavery. The legislature encourages that this guard of our story, our history. Since 19th and the goal, at that time, was met with to make it possible for you and I to do what be a day to engage in fellowship with slavery was enacted upon African resistance. Fast forward to 2020 as civil we do now.” Black/African Americans; revisit our Americans, our narrative has not been our unrest and the COVID pandemic began to For Morgan, the passing of the solidarity and commitment to antiracism; own. What we were taught was not only expose the true nature of policy, policing Juneteenth Holiday Bill is something that educate ourselves about slave history; and distorted, but it is also a small portion, a and racism in America ultimately led to a she hopes will lead to bigger and better continue having conversations that uplift glimpse of time in and of the history of moment of racial reckoning and a things for all people in the state. every Washingtonian.” people of color, particular enslaved sympathetic ear towards the plight of “It is time that we acknowledge this,” Morgan believes that the legislation Africans and their descendants born and African Americans in this country that says Morgan. “We acknowledge every will help bring reconciliation to the history raised in America. created an opportunity for the passage of other culture’s holidays even ones that are and trauma of chattel slavery in America. According to Nobles, Juneteenth progressive legislation in Olympia. not on the books like , we “My hope was that it brings brings a more positive, insightful and “In 2007, we worked to make it a day celebrate those every year, this one here is reconciliation to the atrocities of chattel necessary step in both the healing for the of remembrance,” says Lovick. “Over the about the history of our people and the way slavery,” says Morgan. “That it brings descendants of the slave trade as well as the years others have fought for legislation to our country has been formulated in its laws healing and that we acknowledge Black descendants of the slave traders by make it a state holiday and we could never and the systemic racism brought upon us. pain and Black trauma and that we acknowledging and recognizing the get there.” That is why this is so important.” celebrate this together as the state of significance and the effects that the history “This year Representative Melanie “This bill is more than just about a Washington as we do July 4th. This is the of slavery has had on America as a whole. Morgan took the bull by the horns and holiday,” said Morgan, when she was Black African American Independence “Juneteenth is a day of true recognition made it happen,” added Lovick. “It was just advocating for the bill in the Legislature. Day.” and acknowledgement of the pain and the year for it. You know a lot has happen “Juneteenth is a recognition, a true ac- On June 19, 1865, the word finally trauma Black and African American in the last 13 months in this country with knowledgement, that chattel slavery reached Texas, the farthest outposts of the communities have experienced,” says George Floyd and this was the time for happened in this country. This is how we Confederacy, that chattel slavery has been Nobles, who was a strong supporter of the Juneteenth as a state holiday.” begin to advocate for true racial equity and abolished. Since then, generations of bill and spoke on the Senate floor in favor According to Morgan, she originally real inclusion.” African Americans in Texas and beyond of the bill. “It is a step towards justice. By introduced the bill during the 2020 The Black Members Caucus of the have celebrated Juneteenth — also known acknowledging this country’s history and legislative session but it didn’t get the Washington State Legislature and the as Freedom Day, Day, Liberation the atrocity of enslavement that has caused necessary support due to state budget Washington State Commission on African Day, and – to pay generations of trauma, we have a place to constraints, as the price tag for American Affairs were also instrumental in homage to the day that enslaved people in start critical conversations on how we move implementation was more than the state the passage of the Juneteenth Holiday Texas found out that they were free from forward.” could allocate at the time. legislation. The 2021 members of the Black slavery. For decades, many African While many people are celebrating the “I actually introduced the bill in 2020 Members Caucus are Rep. Jamila Taylor American communities across the country legislative victory in recognizing and everyone agreed with the policy,” says (Chair), Rep. Kirsten Harris-Talley (Vice have been trying to bring attention the Juneteenth as a state holiday, the Morgan. “No one had any issues that June Chair), Rep. April Berg, Rep. Debra significance of this date to American recognition, which was 14 years in the 19th should not be a holiday, but it was a Entenman, Rep. David Hackney, Rep. Jesse history. Some with more success than making, did not come without a fight. In supplemental budget [year] and we just Johnson, Rep. John Lovick, Rep. Melanie others. 2007, Black lawmakers in Washington didn’t have the money to pay for it. So, I Morgan, and Sen. T’wina Nobles. PAGE 6, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION Juneteenth Is A Reminder Of The Journey We Have Yet To Complete By King County Executive Dow businesses most impacted by the pandemic, Constantine; and Anita Whitfield, King providing for much needed rental County Chief Equity and Inclusion assistance, and much more. The Officer investments proposed in this budget are This year as we recognize Juneteenth, another set of down payments on the and honor the African-American critical issues faced by diverse communities community – those who are the descendants in King County. of enslaved people - upon whose backs this Throughout our work last year, we nation was built, we are also looking heard from an unprecedented number of forward to celebrating Juneteenth 2022 – as community members and community- the first time as a paid holiday for King based organizations about ways to County employees. Because of this the collaborate and co-create investments that King County employee community and can advance the truth - that government many others across the state will jointly should be breaking down racial inequities. recognize what Juneteenth has stood for in We’re putting $25 million behind that truth, the African-American community for many and right now we’re preparing to partner years - the end of at least one form of with community to understand how that oppression in America. Dow Constantine Anita Whitfield money can go to do the most good. Also, Recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday is King County Executive King County Chief Equity this month we launched a Community a major step, but we also must recognize the and Inclusion Officer Investment Committee, beginning the historical truth of this day. While Union process of participatory budgeting in the soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June still have to go to truly achieve a racially future, we are taking action now. urban unincorporated areas of the County. 19th, 1865 and informed those still enslaved just America. Over the last few months, we have These investments, and the transfor- that slavery had ended more than 2 years In King County, we are working in been working on the $630 million COVID mational work that must go along with prior, history shows that June 19th did not numerous ways to ensure that we are an emergency supplemental budget which the them, are the next steps in our long-term mark the actual end of slavery as it anti-racist/pro-equity government - from King County Council passed last month. work to upend centuries of racialized continued in some states after that. Still, in transforming policing and the criminal legal These are funds that are being and will be economic inequity by sharing power with honor of the Black community, and their system to making down-payments towards used to keep people healthy and safe, and community and acknowledge the brilliance historic tradition, we continue to economic justice for the Black community to continue getting people vaccinated. It and beauty therein. It is our shared honor to acknowledge June 19th as a day of and all historically oppressed people. In all combines federal funds secured by be servants of the African-American remembrance and recognition of the actual areas, we are striving to listen to and co- President Biden and this new Congress, community and all historically end of legal slavery in America. In King create these changes with community, and with state and local monies available for marginalized and oppressed communities County government we also mark this day we recognize that it will require not just pandemic recovery. We’ve included anti- on Juneteenth and every day. as an important symbol of the ongoing fight changes around the edges, but true racist/pro-equity investments like grants We seek an equitable King County, for freedom and as one of many reminders transformation at our core. promoting digital equity, rebuilding Black, where every person can thrive. of how far we have come, yet how far we While we are working towards this Indigenous, and People of Color-owned John Henry Jack Yates: The Trailblazer Of “Juneteenth” In Houston By Jeffrey L. Boney a major effort to raise money towards the facility has been erected, the spirit of those influential in the political, social and Special to The Seattle Medium from The purchase of a piece of land where African individuals who originally purchased that cultural life of Black Houston. Yates also Americans could celebrate their newfound 10- acre parcel of land in 1872 for only became the dynamic leader of early When African American slaves heard freedom from slavery for years to come. $800 continues to host the celebration of Freedmen’s Town, where he built churches, the unexpected news that they had legally In 1872, Yates and other ’s Juneteenth on those hallowed grounds. businesses and a school. Along with his been set free, coming from the lips of town residents – Elias Dibble, Richard Emancipation Park is now an 11.7 acre work as a minister, Yates was also a pioneer General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865 Allen and Richard Brock – purchased the recently renovated “jewel” located in Third in education. When the federal government – or as we now refer to it as Juneteenth – 10 acres of land at the corner of Dowling Ward – between Houston’s thriving central set up the Freedmen’s Bureau schools in their reactions ranged from pure shock to Avenue (now Emancipation Avenue) and business district and the world-renowned churches in Houston, Yates volunteered his immediate jubilation. Elgin, and named it Emancipation Park, in Texas Medical Center. church, Antioch, as one of the school sites. Many of the “newly-freed” and former honor of their newly received freedom, and Yates, who later went on to become a Yates also helped to bring the first Baptist African American slaves began to wonder as a place to organize and celebrate successful minister, businessman, college to Texas, Bishop Academy, which what the relationship between them and Juneteenth with their families for community leader and educator, became the was an institution that prepared students for their former slave masters would now look generations to come. founding pastor of Antioch Missionary employment in trades, business and like. Fast forward 146 years later, and Baptist Church - the first Black Baptist ministry. One of those freedmen, John Henry Emancipation Park is recognized as the church in Houston in January 1866. Yates died in 1897 and is buried in “Jack” Yates, who was born a slave, moved oldest park site in the City of Houston. The By 1875, Yates had led his Antioch College Park Cemetery in Houston. A high his family to Houston. Not only had Yates land that Yates and these other former congregation - almost all of whom were school in Houston’s Third Ward – Jack learned how to read, write and acquire the slaves purchased still remains, and while former slaves, to erect a brick church Yates Senior High School - is named in his skills of carpentry, he also ended up leading the land has been cultivated and a new building and to become extremely honor. THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 7 JUNETEENTH PROCLAMATION FROM KING COUNTY

Dow Constantine Metropolitan King County Council King County ExecutivePROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates the traditional observance of the end of slavery in the United States; and

WHEREAS, on , 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that “all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, hence forward and forever free”; and

WHEREAS, more than two years would pass before the news reached African Americans living in Texas, when on June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger and his regiment arrived in Galveston, Texas, and spread the word that slavery had been abolished and they were “free”; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth is currently the most popular day of commemorating the end of slavery in the United States (although there were other available options, including January 31, the date the 13th Amendment passed Congress in 1865; or 6, the day the 13th Amendment was ratified that year); and

WHEREAS, on June 19, 1866, one year after Major Granger’s announcement, the freed African American men and women in the state of Texas held the first official “Juneteenth” celebration, and Juneteenth celebrations have continued across the United States throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, the state of Texas became the first state in our nation to make Juneteenth an official holiday in 1979, followed by 41 other states that recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or holiday observance; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth is an important opportunity to honor the principles of the Declaration of Independence and to celebrate the achievements and contributions African Americans have made, and continue to make, in King County and across the nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council and the King County Executive, proclaim June 19, 2021, as

JUNETEENTH

in Martin Luther King, Jr. County, recognize its historic importance, and encourage all residents to join us in its commemoration.

DATED this nineteenth day of June, 2021.

______Dow Constantine, County Executive Claudia Balducci, District Six, Council Chair

______Rod Dembowski, District One Girmay Zahilay, District Two

______Kathy Lambert, District Three Jeanne Kohl-Welles, District Four

______Dave Upthegrove, District Five Pete von Reichbauer, District Seven

______Joe McDermott, District Eight, Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, District Nine, Council Vice Chair PAGE 8, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION A Liberated Future By And For Black Washingtonians By the Black Future Co-op Fund The Emancipation Proclamation promised freedom, freedom that eludes Black Americans to this day. For centuries, those in power have designed and maintained systems to marginalize the Black community. The in America has denied the value of Black people. The truth is the brilliance and ingenuity of Black people is the foundation of America’s prominence in the world. Black people built this nation that continues to refuse us equality. Today, Black people are creating our own freedom. We are flipping exclusionary and outdated systems of power on their head and asserting our own power with the Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington state’s first philanthropy created by us and for us. We are the manifestation of our ancestors’ hopes, prayers, and dreams. Working cooperatively, we are building toward a Washington state, where all Black people are liberated, prosperous, and self- determined to fully live our lives. To accomplish our collective vision, the Black Future Co-op Fund is focused on distinct areas where change is vital. By centering and uplifting Black voices in everything we do, we recognize the true narrative of Black Washingtonians. (L-R) Black Future Co-op Fund Founders: T’wina Nobles, state senator and president and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League; Understanding the experiences of Black Michelle Merriweather, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle; Angela Jones, J.D., CEO of Washington people from the past and present emboldens STEM; and Andrea Caupain Sanderson, CEO of Byrd Barr Place. our community with the audacity to dream. We are worthy of emancipation, of authoring our own story. philanthropic investment in the Black and economic opportunity with Black — create a liberated future by, for, and with To realize our full strength, the Black community hovers around 1.8 percent. Washingtonians. Black Washingtonians. Future Co-op Fund is dedicated to Since its inception in the early 20th century, We are cultivating economic power Andrea Caupain Sanderson, CEO of connecting Black communities, nurturing philanthropy has been based on a decidedly and generational prosperity within Black Byrd Barr Place; Angela Jones, J.D., CEO trusting relationships, and supporting a unfair power dynamic. communities. of Washington STEM; Michelle network across Washington. The fight for We are emancipating ourselves from As we look back at the years since the Merriweather, president and CEO of the Black sovereignty, for independence from this system of oppression and fashioning a declaration of the Emancipation Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle; and societal systems that have oppressed the new model of philanthropy anchored in the Proclamation, we recognize that the T’wina Nobles, state senator and president Black community, begins with building beauty, soulfulness, and strength of freedom we have now was not given, but and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League upon our existing power within Black Blackness. Within our first year, we have won. founded the Black Future Co-op Fund, our communities. infused $1 million into Black-led In celebrating this Juneteenth, we are state’s first philanthropy created by and for It is no secret that racial bias has kept organizations, no strings attached, to forging a new dynamic of power. We invite Black Washingtonians to ignite Black communities from the benefits of support the powerful work of nonprofits you to join with us to realize the promise of generational wealth, health, and well- philanthropy. Data shows that total that are strengthening health, education, emancipation. Together, we can — and will being. THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 9 PAGE 10, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION Celebrating Juneteenth, Honoring Black Lives

King County Metro General Manager, Terry White, and artist/Metro operator Robert L. Horton visit at the BLM Art Event, March 2021. Photo/Joshua Jackson/Metro. By Terry White nation’s reckoning with racism is at the community engagement, training, and Indigenous, and people of color. When King County Metro General Manager forefront of our societal conscience. Joyful reshaping our policies and procedures. asked what “” meant to Today, King County Metro celebrates events can summon interruptions of • We are reimagining transit security and them, they answered with powerful artwork Juneteenth—the day illegally enslaved bittersweet reflection. While alongside law enforcement practices, critical for currently displayed on our buses, Black Americans in Texas learned they uplifting Juneteenth festivities, all being an anti-racist mobility agency. We workplace posters, and with local media were free, two years after President Americans must mourn and face the are reaching out to members of the outlets. Abraham Lincoln’s executive decree went injustices still being waged against Black community, co-creating with them to Becoming an anti-racist person, into effect. people. envision what a safe and welcoming Metro organization, and society is a journey. It Also fittingly known as Jubilee Day, We at Metro are committed to looks like for people who are Black, requires us to challenge ourselves and Juneteenth is a time to celebrate the rights, continuous self-examination as we work to Indigenous, of color, or have low or no question long-held beliefs and behaviors. contributions, and voices of Black people. combat systemic racism and oppression in income. While this may be uncomfortable, this work For some, it is a spiritual day to pay respect all its forms. We have focused on aligning • We are actively cultivating leadership is vital. In tribute to Juneteenth—and the to ancestors; to honor not only the survival our values with the service we deliver and resourcing trainings. These include inalienable rights still not afforded to Black of subjugated, silenced generations of the through guidance from our Equity Cabinet, our Leading Forward Together program for Americans in the same ways as White past, but the powerful legacies of Black a group of leaders from diverse managers, and expanding our Equal Americans—we honor Black lives of Americans. Juneteenth is about recognition communities, who together authored our Employment Opportunity/Equity, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. of the Black American experience—as Mobility Framework. How our values Inclusion, and Belonging team. varied, beautiful, and now thriving. translate into action is reflected in the • We are uplifting the voices of our As we commemorate Juneteenth, the resources and investments budgeted for talented employees who are Black, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 11 PAGE 12, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS

JOB READINESS PROGRAM CAREER BRIDGE The Career Bridge training curriculum focuses on soft skills development, job readiness, health and wellness, computer basics, and building

VIRTUAL CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE on student’s individual strengths to prepare them for employment.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION TRADES The ULMS Construction Trades Program (CTP) is dedicated to assisting and preparing individuals PROGRAM to enter pre-apprenticeship programs and access to work in the construction industry. TAKING IN REGISTRATIONS NOW

PROGRAM STARTS THIS JUNE DIGITAL LITERACY & FREE AWS CERTIFICATION

INFO TECH The InfoTech Jobs Program is an accelerated training program that recruits long-term unemployed adults and trains them for middle-skill occupations in the Information Technology (IT) industry – at no cost to the individual. For more information on any of these programs, go to: www.UrbanLeague.org THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 13 General Gordon Granger: The Man Behind The “Juneteenth” Message Of Freedom By Jeffrey L. Boney Special to The Seattle Medium from The Houston Forward Times On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order Number 3, effectively freeing slaves in the South. A lot of people celebrate “Juneteenth” as a holiday tradition, as well as share the stories of how former slaves received the news that they were freed by JUL 1 – OCT 17 2021 the Emancipation Proclamation, but don’t know much about the person who declared their freedom on the shores of Galveston, Texas. Who exactly was Union Major General Gordon Granger? Union Major General Gordon Granger was born in Joy, New , on November 6, 1822. Granger graduated from West Point in 1845, and was promoted twice for his service in the Mexican War. Until the beginning of the Civil War, Granger was part of the Mounted Rifles on the frontier. Union Major General Gordon Granger When the war began, he fought under Brigadier General Samuel D. Sturgis at Dug What is interesting is that while many THROUGH JAN 2 2022 Spring and Wilson’s Creek, Missouri. He people, including Blacks, often cite became a brigadier general on March 26, Granger as the significant figure who 1862, and commanded troops at Campaigns helped deliver the message of freedom to of New Madrid, Island No. 10 and the Blacks in Texas, he became extremely Corinth. unpopular among many Whites in the state After leading several brigades in the of Texas. He was blackballed and Army of the Ohio in 1862, he was ostracized by many Whites, so much so, SAM is fully promoted to major general on September that after only six months in command of 17, 1862. Granger was a short man, a strict the Department of Texas, Granger was reopening July 1! disciplinarian and unpopular among troops. relieved of his command on August 6, Nevertheless, he led his forces effectively, 1865. On October 31, 1865, he was placed Tickets to Monet at Étretat are limited and timed entry. and contributed to the Union war effort. He in command of the District of New . Free First Thursdays; advance online ticket purchase required. took part in the Battle of Chickamauga, Granger’s military career began to take during which Major General George H. a turn, along with his health. Thomas and his troops attempted to cover On December 15, 1870, Granger was Monet at Étretat made possible by Barbara Earl Thomas: The Geography th of Innocence made possible by the Union retreat by standing firm at assigned to the 15 Infantry and ordered to Lead Sponsors Major Sponsor Horseshoe Ridge. Although he had not been the New Mexico Territory, but his health Robert Lehman Foundation Presenting Sponsor Supporting Sponsor ordered to do so, Granger sent two of his began to deteriorate. Granger served in that Pacifica Law Group three brigades to support Thomas’ corps, capacity until January 10, 1876, when he Generous Support died after suffering a stroke in Santa Fe, Christie’s helping the Union troops hold the Contributors to the SAM Fund Supporting Sponsor Confederate forces back until dark. This New Mexico Territory. Perkins Coie LLP action allowed Maj. Gen. Rosecrans’ troops Granger was married to Maria Letcher, to pass safely. He once wrote to Rosecrans: who was twenty years his junior, on July14, Top: The Cliffs at Étretat (detail), 1885, “the battle is neither to the swift nor to the 1869. Their marriage produced one son and Claude Monet, French, 1840-1926, oil on canvas, 25 5/8 × 32 in., Sterling and strong but to him that holds on to the end.” one daughter, both of whom died in infancy. Francine Clark Art Institute, 1995.528, image courtesy Clark Art Institute. Bottom: Granger later took part in the Siege of Granger is buried at Lexington Siblings (detail), 2020, Barbara Earl Thomas, Cemetery in Lexington, Kentucky. American, cut paper and hand-printed color Knoxville and in the capture of Mobile, backing, 40 × 26 in., Collection of Richard . After the Civil War, he was on and Betty Hedreen, photo: Spike Mafford. sick leave a great deal of the time. PAGE 14, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION ~ The Emancipation Proclamation ~ President Abraham Lincoln issued Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James the Emancipation Proclamation on January Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and year of bloody civil war. The proclamation Orleans, including the City of New declared “that all persons held as slaves” Orleans) , Alabama, Florida, within the rebellious states “are, and Georgia, , North Carolina, henceforward shall be free.” and Virginia, (except the forty-eight Despite this expansive wording, the counties designated as West Virginia, and Emancipation Proclamation was limited in also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, many ways. It applied only to states that Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, had seceded from the United States, leaving Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the slavery untouched in the loyal border states. cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth[)], and It also expressly exempted parts of the which excepted parts, are for the present, Confederacy (the Southern left precisely as if this proclamation were secessionist states) that had already come not issued. under Northern control. Most important, the And by virtue of the power, and for the freedom it promised depended upon Union purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare (United States) military victory. that all persons held as slaves within said Although the Emancipation Photo/istockphoto designated States, and parts of States, are, Proclamation did not end slavery in the for many years by the Department of State. may make for their actual freedom. and henceforward shall be free; and that the nation, it captured the hearts and When it was prepared for binding, it was “That the Executive will, on the first Executive government of the United States, imagination of millions of Americans and reinforced with strips along the center folds day of January aforesaid, by proclamation, including the military and naval authorities fundamentally transformed the character of and then mounted on a still larger sheet of designate the States and parts of States, if thereof, will recognize and maintain the the war. After January 1, 1863, every heavy paper. Written in red ink on the upper any, in which the people thereof, freedom of said persons. advance of federal troops expanded the right-hand corner of this large sheet is the respectively, shall then be in rebellion And I hereby enjoin upon the people so domain of freedom. Moreover, the number of the Proclamation, 95, given to it against the United States; and the fact that declared to be free to abstain from all Proclamation announced the acceptance of by the Department of State long after it was any State, or the people thereof, shall on violence, unless in necessary self-defence; black men into the and Navy, signed. With other records, the volume that day be, in good faith, represented in the and I recommend to them that, in all cases enabling the liberated to become liberators. containing the Emancipation Proclamation Congress of the United States by members when allowed, they labor faithfully for By the end of the war, almost 200,000 black was transferred in 1936 from the chosen thereto at elections wherein a reasonable wages. soldiers and sailors had fought for the Department of State to the National majority of the qualified voters of such And I further declare and make known, Union and freedom. Archives of the United States. State shall have participated, shall, in the that such persons of suitable condition, will From the first days of the Civil War, Transcript of the Proclamation absence of strong countervailing testimony, be received into the armed service of the slaves had acted to secure their own liberty. January 1, 1863 be deemed conclusive evidence that such United States to garrison forts, positions, The Emancipation Proclamation confirmed By the President of the United States State, and the people thereof, are not then stations, and other places, and to man their insistence that the war for the Union of America: in rebellion against the United States.” vessels of all sorts in said service. must become a war for freedom. It added A Proclamation. Now, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, And upon this act, sincerely believed moral force to the Union cause and Whereas, on the twenty-second day of President of the United States, by virtue of to be an act of justice, warranted by the strengthened the Union both militarily and September, in the year of our Lord one the power in me vested as Commander-in- Constitution, upon military necessity, I politically. As a milestone along the road to thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United invoke the considerate judgment of slavery’s final destruction, the proclamation was issued by the President States in time of actual armed rebellion mankind, and the gracious favor of Emancipation Proclamation has assumed a of the United States, containing, among against the authority and government of the Almighty God. place among the great documents of human other things, the following, to wit: United States, and as a fit and necessary In witness whereof, I have hereunto set freedom. “That on the first day of January, in the war measure for suppressing said rebellion, my hand and caused the seal of the United The original of the Emancipation year of our Lord one thousand eight do, on this first day of January, in the year States to be affixed. Proclamation of January 1, 1863, is in the hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Done at the City of Washington, this National Archives in Washington, DC. With slaves within any State or designated part sixty-three, and in accordance with my first day of January, in the year of our Lord the text covering five pages the document of a State, the people whereof shall then be purpose so to do publicly proclaimed for one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, was originally tied with narrow red and in rebellion against the United States, shall the full period of one hundred days, from and of the Independence of the United blue ribbons, which were attached to the be then, thenceforward, and forever free; the day first above mentioned, order and States of America the eighty-seventh. signature page by a wafered impression of and the Executive Government of the designate as the States and parts of States By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN the seal of the United States. Most of the United States, including the military and wherein the people thereof respectively, are WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of ribbon remains; parts of the seal are still naval authority thereof, will recognize and this day in rebellion against the United State. decipherable, but other parts have worn off. maintain the freedom of such persons, and States, the following, to wit: Source: National Archives and Records The document was bound with other will do no act or acts to repress such Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except Administration proclamations in a large volume preserved persons, or any of them, in any efforts they the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Please join us in celebrating THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 15 Please join usJuneteenth! in celebrating Juneteenth Public Health - Seattle & King County recognizes the important and untold stories of innovation, service, and sacrifice by the Black community and supports efforts to improve equity and achieve social justice. We continue to work to eliminate health disparities and improve the health and well-being of the Black community in King County. Racism is a Public Health crisis!

Please join us for a Juneteenth celebration at Othello Park

. Othello, eattle,

Saturday June 19th 11:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

Learn about the history of Juneteenth meet Black owned business owners.

Dental ervices (Urgent dental services. tractions, filings, -Ras eaminations COVID Vaccines Health Insurance nrollment (Apple Health/Qualified Health Plans) ORCA Lift (pre-loaded card if eligible) ORCA Lift ubsidied Annual Pass (Individuals on I or A) IC/utrient ervices/ood Demonstrations Mental Health Resources

Public Health-Seattle & King County/Access & Outreach 1-800-756-5 www.kingcount.gov/outreach email CHAPkingcount.gov PAGE 16, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION We Can’t Talk About Black Lives Without Talking About Black Health but need time to think about it or get it. Some choose not to for any number of reasons, whether it is accessibility concerns, or systemic barriers that do not allow them the flexibility or support to get vaccinated. Whatever the case is, each person must be met with dignity and respect. We are not trying to convince anyone to do something they do not want to do. We want to be a resource for community, as we have been for 90 years. In our efforts to By Michelle Merriweather empower and educate, Urban League of President/CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle holds focus groups, Metropolitan Seattle inviting Black medical professionals and After a year of anxiety, loss, fear, and public health experts to share information Providence ElderPlace PACE isolation, it seems clear that light is on the and have transparent dialogue with us. We way. At Urban League of Metropolitan also host pop-up clinics in familiar locations Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Seattle, we hear this in the stories of with providers who look like us or are community members who say they can understanding of the unique needs of our finally visit their 90-year-old father or travel community. Our team, led by our Health the country or see their newborn niece. Advocate and supported by Black Those who say, “I am getting the vaccine professionals in our community, create Surrounding you with the care you need to stay healthy and because I have family in other countries educational materials and ensure they are live independently at home. Serving most of King and parts who cannot, and they tell me how lucky I accessible and in culturally relevant terms. of Snohomish Counties. am to have the option.” We hear the joy We are also training Peer Educators to be when people say “Finally, I can go outside trusted messengers in community. What is Designed for seniors 55+ who require nursing home care, without fear,” and “For the first time in a clear throughout all of this is that year, I can hug my grandchild.” For many, information sharing must be for us, by us. Providence ElderPlace PACE is a program that supports you the vaccines are something to rejoice about. There is momentum right now. There is in your home while providing essential services. They are a symbol of hope and our best shot heightened regard for Black health. Now, at a return to normalcy and recovery. we must ensure that this is not only a We also hear the opposite. The moment. We must look at the root causes of Providence ElderPlace PACE provides: legitimate fear, frustration, and mistrust in why Black communities were hit so hard by the healthcare system that causes many to this pandemic. We need to address health avoid the doctor at all costs. We hear stories disparities and inequities where we live, • Primary & Specialty Medical Care about sub-par treatment, discrimination, and learn, work, and play that lead to lower life • Dental, Vision, and Hearing disregard about our pain. We know the expectancies and higher rates of diabetes, historic medical racism: Tuskegee hypertension, heart disease, and other • In-home Care and Services Experiment, Henrietta Lacks, medical ex- conditions. We need policies to change. We • Prescription Drug Coverage perimentation on enslaved individuals, need systems to change. We need to be at among other atrocities. All of this, and the table where decisions that impact our • Transportation more, contribute to the place where we are health are made. We need to see that Black • Mental Health Services now, many in our community lacking the health matters all the time, not only when confidence that health care establishments there is a pandemic. Every day, our lives • Caregiver and Family Support have their best interest at heart. The matter, and we need to see continued action systemic racism in healthcare and the harm that aligns with that fundamental truth. it has caused communities of color over To make this moment a movement, For more information about enrolling or services available, centuries, will not be undone overnight. It here are some ways you can help: seek out please call 206-320-5325 will take empathy, intentionality, and action. credible sources; educate yourself and or visit www.providence.org/ElderPlace. Something we learn every day at Urban others about the vaccine; get involved as a League of Metropolitan Seattle is that Peer Educator in your community; and hesitancy does not guarantee refusal. We volunteer with and/or donate to local see individuals move from “There is no way organizations doing this work; speak out I am getting that vaccine,” to “Actually... about racism as a public health crisis. will you sign me up for an appointment?” For more information about the within one conversation sometimes. We vaccine, visit www.urbanleague.org/black- also see many who are open to the vaccine health-matters. THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 17 PAGE 18, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 19 Juneteenth An Important Historic Marker

By Richard “RJ” Johnson Proclamation did not On May 13, 2021 completely end slavery in the Governor Jay Inslee signed United States. So, why is into law a bill that makes Juneteenth significant? Juneteenth a legal holiday in In my opinion, what the State of Washington Juneteenth is, among many effective in the year 2022. other things, is a tangible There are some important manifestation of the human things to know about spirit of our ancestors that Juneteenth when talking even the inhumanity and about what it is, what it is not, brutality of chattel slavery and why I feel it is an could not extinguish. The important historical date. jubilation and instant Juneteenth 19, 1865 did celebration that broke out on not mark the end of slavery in that day on June 19, 1865 the United States as some once those words of freedom mistakenly believe. It indeed were heard and understood marks the date that word of was an outcry of triumph the executive order known as over evil. The cries and the “Emancipation wailing were loud enough to Proclamation”, which had reach the heavens and touch been issued by President the souls of the ancestors and Lincoln two and a half years of those who perished in the earlier, finally reached the . “Lift every enslaved people in voice and sing…” James Galveston, Texas. Lincoln’s Weldon Johnson. executive order only ended Going forward slavery in the confederate Juneteenth is not just a states that were at war with touchstone in history. the United States. That meant Juneteenth through its annual that slavery was still legal in observance and many the states of Missouri, festivals and celebrations Kentucky, Delaware, and provides a launching pad for . Slavery was not education, solidarity, and outlawed until the ratification cultural awareness for our of the 13th Amendment in succeeding generations and December 1865. those uninformed that are Some have questioned among us. Juneteenth is our the significance of Juneteenth holiday created by our since it only directly ancestors and it will launch pertained to the enslaved in us into the future without Galveston, Texas and the fact losing sight of the past. that the Emancipation PAGE 20, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 21 Juneteenth Is Worth Celebrating By William Reed attributed to anything from bureaucratic But some are asking: “Is Juneteenth includes such traditional activities as a NNPA Columnist delays to a slow mule. Once freed, several still relevant?” These days, some consider community , music, poetry Did you know that the official African- self-sustaining Black farming communities Juneteenth as being “controversial.” In the readings, games and fireworks. It also American holidays are: , Martin grew up in Texas, and across the land, as early 20th century, economic and cultural features storytelling and re-enactments of Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth? What freed men tilled their own soil. forces caused a decline in Juneteenth battles fought by the all-Black 54th do you, and your family, do to celebrate Descendants of slaves should institute celebrations. The forced Regiment Union forces of the Civil War. Juneteenth? Also known as Freedom Day some modern-day ritual as we continue the many Blacks off farms and into cities to Malcolm Beech, head of the Cultural or Emancipation Day, the Juneteenth country’s oldest celebration find work. In those urban environments, Heritage Museum and a group of African- holiday is an abbreviated form of “June commemorating the freeing of slaves. An employers did not grant leave for Re-enactors says, Nineteenth.” It marks the day Blacks in African-American tradition since the late Juneteenth celebrations. July 4 was the “Juneteenth is a very important day for us Texas belatedly received word that 19th century, Juneteenth is recognized as a established Independence Day holiday and to keep alive in our history as we continue President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation state holiday or day of observance in 42 a rise in patriotism among Black Americans to tell stories of Blacks that were soldiers, Proclamation had freed the nation’s slaves. states. On June 19th, 2013, the Dr. Ronald steered more toward what they considered slaves and freed men.” Black Americans should V. Myers, Sr., chairman of the National “Independence Day” celebrations. At the As it moves forward, Juneteenth has commemorate Juneteenth as the date in Juneteenth Observance Foundation, will height of the 1960s , become an occasion for reflection and time 1865 when Union Gen. Gordon Granger join with Speaker of the House John Juneteenth lost more gravitas, particularly to recognize our achievements in life and arrived with his troops at Galveston Island Boehner (R-Ohio) to host a ceremony to among militant Blacks who perceived it as economic development. Some have even and read President Lincoln’s proclamation unveil a statue of at the obsolete in terms of their goals. Some equated the holiday with having the same freeing the state’s 200,000 slaves. The U.S. Capitol with Myers reading Douglass’ argued that Juneteenth wasn’t a cause for importance among Afro-Americans as does proclamation had originally taken effect on historic speech: “The Meaning of July celebration inasmuch as it symbolized that Cinco de Mayo among Latinos. Jan. 1, 1863, but word didn’t reach Texas Fourth for the Negro.” The speech is a Texas Blacks had remained enslaved after Making it a point to trade, or buy until two months after Confederate Gen. classic: July 5, 1852, Douglass gave a the rest of the South had been freed. something, from another Black, would be a Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses speech at an event commemorating the Washington’s ’s worthwhile practice for African Americans S. Grant, and more than two years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Anacostia Museum has emerged from the to engage in during Juneteenth. This should proclamation was issued. Explanations for held at Rochester’s Corinthian Hall and told controversy to an annual Juneteenth also be a time for Blacks to focus on the holdup vary. Depending on who’s doing his audience, “This Fourth of July is yours, celebration whose focus remains on the education and self-improvement, and to the explaining, the delay could have been not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.’” recounting of Afro-American culture and retrace our outstanding ancestry. Juneteenth! CAYA joins in the celebration of Juneteenth! It is with mixed emotions of joy and sadness. Joy for the emancipation, the freedom of all slaves in America, and the possible road to equality. The promises of “All men are created equal” could fi nally become a reality. Sadness, in that it had to happen to begin with. Though this road is paved with potholes, stop signs, and detours and yet to be achieved, we will continue to strive until the chains of inequality and injustice, are nothing more than a memory and footnote in our past. No longer an American dream, but an American Reality that we live to the fullest from the fruits of our labor in this country. Happy Juneteenth! “Lift every voice and sing” PAGE 22, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION Juneteenth Is An Opportunity To Confront The Nation’s “Hard History” and sold to European and American slave among the other enslaved; and like many rarely taught in American schools. Slavery traders. The tour guide explained that the other enslaved women, she was raped by is treated “like a dot on a timeline,” slaves were corralled and held until the next white men. In Anna’s case, it was the according to Maureen Costello, director of arrives. On the far side of the plantation owner’s brother, Antoine the Southern Poverty Law Center’s building, was a large opening onto the Haydel.” Teaching Tolerance program. An Atlantic. The slaves were taken along a Marie Celeste’s mother, Francoise, also investigation by the SPLC, Teaching Hard short gangplank into the hold of the ship. had been raped by a member of the owner’s History, revealed an alarming ignorance The guide called it ‘the Door of No Return,’ family, Florestan Becnel. among high school seniors. Only 8 percent as those African people would never see When the last Haydel family member could identify slavery as the central cause their homeland again.” to own the plantation died in 1860, Anna of the Civil War. Two-thirds didn’t know Marc H. Morial As the nation prepares to observe and Victor were listed as part of an that it took a constitutional amendment to President/CEO, Juneteenth, the celebration of the inventory of her estate. Victor was valued formally end slavery. Fewer than one in When I was a senior at the University emancipation of those who had been at 800 piastres – the Cajun word for dollars four could correctly identify how of , I accompanied my parents enslaved in the United States, we are – and Anna at 100 piestres. provisions in the Constitution gave on a trip to the West African Nation of engaged in a bitter battle over the teaching As Juneteenth approaches, I am advantages to slaveholders. Senegal. As part of our journey, we took a of history, particularly the acknowledgment reminded of the words of Dr. Ibrahima This is no way to honor the memories ferry to Gorée, a tiny island about a mile of white supremacy’s role in shaping our Seck, a Senegalese historian who traced the of Anna, Victor and Celeste, or the millions from Dakar’s main harbor. laws and institutions. Haydel family’s history: “The best way to who were kidnapped, enslaved, brutalized The haunting images of the slave trade My great-great-grandparents, Victor honor the memories of Anna, Victor and and oppressed. We cannot build a stable we encountered there left a lifetime Theophile Haydel and Marie Celeste Celeste, is to let the world know the home on a broken foundation. impression. Becnel, were born on the Whitney hardship they went through and the As the SPLC study’s authors “Soon, we came upon a large stone Plantation, 50 miles east of . injustice of being considered chattel for concluded, “Teaching about slavery is hard. structure,” My mother, Sybil Haydel Victor’s mother, Anna, arrived on the many years with a price imposed on each It requires often-difficult conversations Morial, wrote in her memoir, Witness to plantation sometime between 1820 and of them. In doing so, much respect would about race and a deep understanding of Change. “The remains of what appeared to 1853. She was “purchased to be the ‘pet’ of also be paid to those who sacrificed their American history. Learning about slavery be shackles were embedded in the floor. For her infertile owner,” journalist Daja Henry lives in the defense of freedom and civil is essential if we are ever to come to grips nearly three centuries, men, women and wrote in . “After rights in this country and beyond.” with the racial differences that continue to children were brought forcibly to this island she got too big to play with, she was tossed Unfortunately, stories like Anna’s are divide our nation.” THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 23 Participatory budgeting is here.

Meet King County’s new Community Investment Committee. They’re developing a community-led process to invest $10 million in five urban communities in unincorporated King County.

Your voice. Your community. Your future.

https://kingcounty.gov/urbanchoices PAGE 24, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION King County Taking Action To Promote Equity In Contracting New commitments will amplify ongoing efforts with minority- and women-owned businesses At King County, we are committed to transform our existing contracting and Black-owned businesses in our directory of being a welcoming community where every procurement actions. We are removing small contractors and suppliers, we know person can thrive. Part of that commitment barriers, improving access to opportunities, that more work must be done. Once a firm is making sure that everyone has access to and implementing innovative contracting is in the directory, we need to ensure that employment training and jobs that pay a methods that will help historically they are aware of contracting opportunities living wage. Because small businesses are disadvantaged firms to better compete for and that we are working to remove any the biggest drivers of our economy, they are contracts. barriers to their full participation. We know key to this shared success. Just under half We know that minority- and women- that there are also systemic issues outside of all Americans are employed by a small owned business enterprises (MWBEs) face the county’s control that have historically business, and two out of every three new challenges in public contracting. As a local held MWBEs back, like access to financial jobs are created by entrepreneurs who took government, we must be more intentional capital or loans that can help a firm to grow a chance and built a business from the about setting goals to be more inclusive and prosper. We are actively looking for ground up. these firms, and accountable for achieving ways to partner across the Puget Sound Our region is full of entrepreneurs - results. region to reduce these disparities. people who saw a need for a product or We’re not alone in this work. We’re On this Juneteenth we honor and service, and then created a business to partnering with advocacy groups like Tabor recognize the contributions of African satisfy that need. Some of those 100, the Black Coalition of Contractors and American entrepreneurs and business entrepreneurs, and their businesses, have Professionals, and the Washington chapter community. Providing equitable economic since become household names around the perhaps the next globe-spanning brand. of the National Association of Minority opportunities in contracting is one way that world. King County is one of the largest One of the ways we’re investing in our Contractors to guide our engagement with King County can help to undo systemic purchasers of goods and services in the region is by expanding opportunities for MWBEs and make sure that the community racism and lift up small businesses so that state, spending more than $1 billion a year. minority- and women-owned businesses to voice is being heard, valued and everyone can thrive. As a large consumer, King County is well- do business with King County. Recently, incorporated. For more information about doing positioned to help small businesses right King County Executive Dow Constantine While King County has been business with King County, visit here in our region expand and grow into issued an executive order that will successful in recruiting and retaining kingcounty.gov/procurement Celebrating WOW Gallery DearSista, I SEE YOU. Opens Juneteenth Weekend | Dearsista.com THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 25

Some said Isaac had a 50/50 chance of survival. But tell that to this thriving little guy.

For over 100 years, Seattle Children’s has been dedicated to compassionate care and ground-

breaking research, so every kid can have the healthiest childhood possible. Because it’s not

about beating the odds. It’s about changing them. For all kid-kind. SeattleChildrens.org

Hope. Care. Cure.™

Isaac living cancer-free

CHILD 15902 MissionBoost_Isaac_SeattleMedium_10x10.25_eng_v3.indd 1 6/10/21 5:53 PM PAGE 26, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION The Symbolism Behind The Juneteenth Flag The first Juneteenth flag — a banner with a bursting star in the middle is the Juneteenth Flag, a symbolic representation of the end of slavery in the United States — was created in 1997 by Ben Haith, the founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF). In 2000, artist Lisa Jeanne Graf modified the flag to its’ present, modern- day design. In 2007, the date of the first Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) was added to the flag. According to the NJCF, the Juneteenth Flag represents a star of Texas bursting with new freedom throughout the land, over a new horizon. The Juneteenth Flag also represents a new freedom, a new people, and a new star. Contrary to what some may believe, the official Juneteenth flag uses the colors of red, white, and blue and not red, black, and green. The significance of the flag’s symbols The Star The star at the center of the flag has a dual meaning. First, the star is representative of Texas, “the Lone Star State,” where the last remaining enslaved people inthe South learned that they were free, and Juneteenth was first celebrated in 1865. In addition, it also stands for the freedom of every Black American in all 50 states. The Date The “June 19, 1865” date was added in 2007 to commemorate the exact day enslaved people in Galveston learned about the Emancipation Proclamation. The “Nova” A cloud burst or nova encircles the star. This represents a new beginning for African Americans in Galveston and throughout the United States. The Arc The arc that divides the flag laterally is another symbol of hope. The curve that extends across the width of the flag represents a new horizon, new opportunities and a promising future for Black Americans. The colors The red, white, and blue color scheme is the same as the American flag. This serves as a reminder that enslaved people and their descendants were and are Americans. THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION, PAGE 27 PAGE 28, THE SEATTLE MEDIUM, 2021 JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

King County Metro knows Black lives matter

This artwork by Sandra Padilla, Metro Operator, is currently displayed on 200 buses. These portraits of George Floyd, Aiyana Jones, and Breonna Taylor honor the countless lives we have lost to racism and injustice. Sandra says that despite all of the tragedies, when creating this piece she was “very inspired by the solidarity, the unity, and the love.”

On Juneteenth, Metro knows that our journey for racial justice is a movement, not a moment, and we will continue moving forward together.