What's Happening in Lacey, WA…

Lacey, along with the rest of the nation, is ready to celebrate Juneteenth.

The day commemorates the emancipation of African Americans, ending slavery in the United States. The process began in 1863, when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The document freed slaves that were held in those states rebelling against the Union. The Proclamation was the precursor to the 13th Amendment that ended slavery nationwide as of December 6, 1865.

However, the slave states continued to hold onto their entrenched system, and it took Union Army troops to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. In Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, the Union Army forced Texas to free the last of its slaves, giving the date in June its significance.

Former slaves began celebrating the event in 1866, with traditional activities like food and fun, and the day grew in popularity. Despite being the last state to free its slaves, Texas was the first state to establish Juneteenth as an official holiday, which it did in 1980. Today, most states recognize Juneteenth, and in Washington State, it is a paid holiday.

The upcoming celebration this year is Saturday, June 17 at the Regional Athletic Complex on Steilacoom Road, from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. Live music is planned as well as a presentation, and there is a free barbecue to which everyone is invited. Organizers of outdoor events like this could consider using banner printing to create sturdy, long-lasting decorations for the occasion.