Juneteenth at Grant Park: Spokane Celebrates Unity
Spokane, Washington, recently celebrated Juneteenth with a vibrant community event at Grant Park, featuring a range of activities and powerful testimonies. The celebration, described as a "city-wide family reunion," brought together a diverse group of attendees to honor Black excellence, history, and joy.
Anna Franklin, founder of Maji Rising, a local non-profit addressing health disparities in historically marginalized communities, emphasized the event's inclusivity and its role in fostering culture, love, and education. Sayeed X, a board member of Maji Rising, noted the significant growth of the celebration compared to previous years, expressing a belief that the park might not be large enough to accommodate future attendance.
Peggy Trout, a longtime resident of Spokane, shared her emotional response to seeing people of different nationalities come together, raise money, and have fun. She recounted the history of Juneteenth celebrations in Spokane, which originated on Fairchild Air Force Base before expanding into the city, spearheaded by various community groups and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Trout also highlighted the importance of intergenerational education about Juneteenth, especially in light of books being removed from libraries.
AJ the Wordsmith, a native of Dallas, Texas, spoke personally about the significance of Juneteenth. He shared how, growing up, he lacked understanding of his culture and how coming to Spokane initially terrified him. However, events like the Juneteenth celebration serve as a potent reminder that he is not alone and that he is seen, heard, and loved within the community.
The celebration at Grant Park featured live music, various vendors offering jewelry and clothing, politicians, a bounce house, and a diverse array of food options. The overwhelming sentiment among attendees was one of happiness, community, and the shared joy of witnessing children play, people eat, dance, and sing. The event showcased local artists, performers, and locally-owned businesses, reflecting the unique spirit of the Spokane community.
