Kittitas County residents invited to celebrate Juneteenth holiday

Kittitas County residents and out-of-town visitors will join together on Thursday, June 19, to celebrate the annual Juneteenth holiday with a series of events scheduled throughout the day.

The family-friendly celebration, highlighted by a community gathering from 4-7 p.m. at Unity Park in Ellensburg, commemorates the end of slavery in 1865. Organizers view the celebration as a way to honor the past while embracing the unity and strength of our local community.

The Juneteenth celebration is open to everyone who supports the concept of freedom for all, and wants to learn more about African American history, culture, and contributions to our community.

Event organizers include Black Grenade Entertainment, the City of Ellensburg’s DEI Commission, Kittitas County Historical Museum, Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, Central Washington University, and the Ellensburg Downtown Association. A variety of downtown businesses of restaurants will also be supporting the event.

Local residents and visitors are invited to join in the festivities and educational programs throughout the day. During the entire month of June, the Kittitas County Historical Museum and CWU Library will host a series of educational and cultural programs focused on Juneteenth and its significance. These events aim to provide deeper insights into the history and enduring impact of this important day, which became a federal holiday in 2021.

On Thursday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Kittitas County Historical Museum at 114 E. Third Ave., will be open to the public, offering historic programming dedicated to Juneteenth. A digital map of Ellensburg will highlight sites of significance to the Black community.

Then, from 4-7 p.m., a free community gathering will take place at Unity Park, offering live music and other family entertainment activities. Bring a lawn chair, relax, and enjoy this opportunity to come together as community members.

To learn more about this year’s Juneteenth celebration, including a detailed schedule and Juneteenth resources, please visit the CWU Libraries website.