The Juneteenth Yakima Committee and the NAACP Yakima Chapter have joined forces to present a free community event in the Southeast Community Center Park (1211 S 7th St) this Saturday, June 15th.

A long time ago in 1865 in the state of Texas, slaves learned that they had been set free three years prior with the Emancipation Proclamation. Instead of revolting, the freed slaves threw a big party, celebrating their freedom with food, dancing, oral stories and art. Nearly two centuries later, Juneteenth is still celebrated in some African-American communities, including Yakima!

This year's freedom celebration will be held at the park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting). Everyone in the community is invited to come enjoy the food, games, NAACP awards, free books for children, basketball tournament (Friday, June 14th), Ms/Mr. Juneteenth pageant and an open mic session.

If your company is interested in hosting a vendor table ($10 vendor fee), please contact the Juneteenth Committee Chairman, James Parks, at (509) 961-1168 or email him here.

Click here for more information about Juneteenth.

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