JUNETEENTH

 
 

June 19 marks a very important holiday in our nation, Juneteenth. Officially becoming a Federal holiday in June 2021, it is an important part of our history. As a church, Life Center observes this holiday to reflect, remember, and celebrate the end of slavery in America.

Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States of America. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. It is important to note that this was 2.5 years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official on January 1, 1863. This date has incredible significance for our nation’s history and for our black brothers and sisters within our staff, our church, and the broader community.

This year Juneteenth will be observed on Monday, June 20, as a Federal Holiday. Life Center and Life Christian Academy will be closed on this day, and we encourage you to join us in celebrating, reflecting, and remembering the day that slavery was put to an end.

 

A PRAYER FOR JUNETEENTH

Jesus, thank you for making a way for your people that were hurt and oppressed by the sin of racism and, more specifically, in Galveston, Texas, hundreds of years ago. It was You that moved in the hearts of others to bring about the end of slavery in that area of our Nation. As we pause and celebrate, we cannot do so without being mindful of Your goodness despite the pain of our shared history.

 We are thankful and yet mindful that our shared history has been hurtful. Tears have fallen and unfortunately continue to do so, with the evil in our fallen world. However, we are reminded that Your faithfulness reaches from generation to generation. We are thankful for the journey, and we are mindful that You are still at work! We are thankful and mindful that you will restore all things, and you will make all things right. Your justice is not like man’s justice; instead, it is perfect, peaceful, restorative, healing, and redemptive.

 As we turn our eyes toward You, we understand that we live in a fallen world. Sin has marred Your perfect plan for all of us; however, thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, and the gift of salvation, which transforms all of us from the inside out.  We know it is by Your strong hand that deliverance happened for the enslaved and continues to happen for all who are broken, lost, and hurting.  Collectively we call on your name, Jesus, the name that is above every name! And, we declare Your freedom and healing over our land, in Jesus’s name, amen!

–written by Pastor Barbara Kelley

 

BOOKS

Our Diversity & Unity Development Team has reviewed these books and believes they are good resources.
Kids’ books each have an age-appropriate reading level included.
We encourage you to pick up one or two and read them over the summer!

Community Events

Find a local celebration then invite your family and friends!

Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 11am-5pm

Stewart Heights Park
5715 Reginald Gutierrez Ln
Tacoma, WA 98404

The festival will include a main stage filled with amazing performances and speakers, an interactive kid’s zone and stage, face painting and a playground.

Juneteenth: Freedom Celebration
June 15, 5-8pm

Tollefson Plaza
1548 Commerce St
Tacoma, WA 98402

In honor and recognition of Juneteenth, the City of Tacoma is hosting “Juneteenth: Freedom Celebration”. The event will feature family-friendly activities, including Interactive Handprint Activity with Black Lives Matter mural, Spoken Word, Dance Performances, and Bajan Station Caribbean Food available for purchase. TAM will host its Neighborhood Nights with free admission from 5-8pm. In addition, a printed tour guide highlighting Black artists on view, curated by The Current’s Artist Award Manager Victoria Miles, will be available for museum visitors. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about Juneteenth and hear from Black leaders.

Juneteenth253
June 17, 11am-6pm

Wright Park
501 S I St
Tacoma, WA 98405

We are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Wright Park. Juneteenth is an annual holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It celebrates the day when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, and announced that all slaves in Texas were free. This announcement came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln, and it marked the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is a day to remember the struggle and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom and to celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans.

 Parade, Food Trucks, Vendors, Local Talent, Drum Line, Bullies, Bikes, Cars, Family Fun Zone AND MUCH MORE! Each year it's getting bigger and better and you're invited to bring your gifts and talents. Celebration Parade will start at 11:00.

 

Lacey Juneteenth Celebration
June 18, 12-4pm

Regional Athletics Complex
8345 Steilacoom Rd SE
Lacey, WA 98503

Enjoy a FREE BBQ lunch, games, entertainment, a presentation, and time to connect with your community as we celebrate Juneteenth. All community members are invited and welcome to attend.

The event is presented by the Fred U. Harris Masonic Lodge #70 PHA in partnership with the Cities of Lacey and Tumwater.

 

Juneteenth Celebration at Les Gove Park
June 18, 12-5pm

Les Gove Park
910 9th St SE
Auburn, WA 98002

The City of Auburn will host a Juneteenth festival Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 12:00-5:00 PM at Les Gove Park, 910 9th St SE Auburn, WA.

Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The celebration will feature live music, food trucks, inflatable rides for the kids to enjoy and opportunities to support Black businesses.

VIDEOS

Take 3 minutes and check out one of these informational videos about Juneteenth:

 
 
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