LYNNWOOD—The City of Lynnwood, in partnership with Project Girl, the Edmonds School District, and Sound Transit, hosted their fourth annual Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 19, at Cedar Valley Community School in Lynnwood. The day was a vibrant community celebration featuring a resource and vendor fair, a variety of food trucks, and live performances from talented local artists.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Rooted in the historical moment of June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to declare the end of slavery—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—Juneteenth is more than a milestone. It’s a vibrant call to remember, reflect, and recommit to justice, equity, and unity for all.
According to Project Girl Founder Olympia Edwards, the difference this year, from previous Juneteenth celebrations, was the current national climate which, she said, put tighter constraints on funding and brought a newfound importance in supporting Black vendors and “spreading joy.”
“This year we’re trying to spread as much joy as we can,” said Edwards, pointing to all of the bubbles and arts and crafts stations surrounding the event. “As a parent of two kids myself, I also wanted it to feel like your kids could come here and hang out and it’s a safe environment.”
Edwards told the Lynnwood Times she ultimately wanted people to leave feeling like “joy exists,” that to be reminded that they can continue to choose it.
“And when you have that moment where you choose joy, it really comes out in so many different ways and how you show up to your community,” said Edwards.
Project Girl’s Summer Camp will be coming up on July 6, through August 21 – a seven-week summer camp for girls completely free of cost, where girls of color (aged 11-18) will have the opportunity to come together, learn culture, joy, and healing. Edwards encouraged those interested to apply now as spots are filling up fast.
Friday’s resounding theme of “joy” resonated with Mountlake Terrace Mayor Dr. Steve Woodard, an attendee, who told the Lynnwood Times:
“In the last two years the new concept of ‘protect your joy’ has been present in my heart. Its moments like this that remind you of that,” said Dr. Woodard. “It’s to see the community coming together, all ages, cultures, interests even, and just being happy and joyful. But there’s also a lot of resources so there’s still a lot of need underneath all the joy and beauty. That’s what this celebration represents, an opportunity to be joyous but also connect to resources for those moments when you’re not or you know someone who isn’t.”
Dr. Woodard continued that celebrating ‘Juneteenth’ and what it means to “be free” could not be any more important now than ever. He informed the Lynnwood Times he planned to visit a total of six local Juneteenth celebrations after Lynnwood’s.
Vendors at Friday’s event included those selling artisan soaps, chili oils, Egyptian pastries, African imports (by the Washington West African Center), jewelry, and more. Many booths had several freebies to be given away, from flags, to bubbles, to wristbands, coloring books, and more.
Nonprofit resources in attendance included the Volunteers of America, Sea Mar, Verdant Health Commission, Lynnwood Food Bank, Snohomish County Domestic Violence Servies, Molina Health, Cocoon House, Washington Kids, 988 Suicide and Crises line, Snohomish County elections, the City of Lynnwood, and more. South County Fire also appeared with one of their fire engines.
As for entertainment, nonstop music and dancing near the center stage fully encapsulated Project Girl’s message of spreading joy.
Elected officials seen walking through the crowds included Lynnwood Mayor George Hurst, Lynnwood City Council members Chelsea Wright and David Parshall, and Mountlake Terrace City Council member William Paige.
Around noon, Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee President DanVo’nique Reed took the mic to share a few words, sharing the rich history of Black people in Snohomish County – who came to the area before Lynnwood and Everett were even designated cities.
“African Americans have always been a part of the fabric of this county. There’s a saying that says if it is to be, it’s up to me. What that means is it’s up to me, it’s up to us, to educate, and tell people the truth even why we’re here for Juneteenth,” said Reed. “We still have work to do, we still have a fight that we’re in. Our ancestors and forefathers did their party but in 2026 we still need to do our part.”
Reed played a history trivia game with the crowd, asking questions about the emancipation proclamation, the civil war, and the ending of slavery. Those who were able to answer her questions correctly were awarded a pack of Skittles.
Lynnwood Mayor George Hurst read the city’s official proclamation recognizing June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in the City of Lynnwood, which was signed at Lynnwood City Council’s Business Meeting on June 8.
Mayor Hurst reminded attendees Friday that slavery was not only a thing of the south, but was prevalent throughout the country – with slave trade auctions in New York City, and ships traveling through New England in connection with the slave trade.
“It wasn’t just the south. Slavery affected the entire United States and now we’re in a time where our President wants to whitewash the history of America and to take away some of the knowledge that we have on the act of slavery,” said Mayor Hurst. “Even now there’s threats on the rights of voting, congressional districts that are being split apart. When you come to my house, we have John Lewis there telling you to make necessary trouble to help redeem the soul of America and we still need to do that.”
Dow Constantine, former King County Executive and current CEO of Sound Transit, spoke on behalf of his transportation agency’s decision to support Lynnwood’s Juneteenth celebration as a sponsor, reflecting on Project Girl being a respected partner, especially through the opening of Lynnwood light rail.
“Sound Transit’s vision is to connect people to opportunity. We do that by supporting individuals and supporting a thriving region. That makes our partnership today a really natural one. You do the inspiring work of empowering and uplifting young women of color so that people can achieve their potential here. We take pride not only in helping you, and the people of greater Lynnwood, move through life conveniently and seamlessly on buses and trains, but also in being a part of the fabric of the communities we serve,” said Constantine. “Our ultimate goal is to help our community grow together and being present gives us a chance to not only see what’s happening in our region, but to here directly from you in what role we can play in lifting up our communities we serve.”
About Juneteenth
In 1619, twenty captured Africans were brought to Virginia as enslaved people, ushering in 246 years of slavery in America. By 1680 as the number of indentured laborers of European descent declined, the enslavement of Africans was widely accepted, and the labor of these human souls became highly profitable in the United States, specifically Southern states.
The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 issued by President Abraham Lincoln freed enslaved people in the 11 Confederate states at war against the Union; however, it wasn’t until December of 1865 when Congress required the Confederate states to ratify the 13th Amendment, thereby abolishing chattel slavery and involuntary servitude.
Still, slavery remained relatively unaffected in Texas until June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and freed all enslaved people.
Juneteenth is a commemoration of June 19th, 1865, and is now celebrated in many communities in the United States with cookouts, parades, prayer services, and poetry readings.
Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the injustice endured by the men, women, and children of African descent brought to this nation against their will, but whose legacy of determination to live free paved the way for our continued fight for justice.
The City of Lynnwood will honor the legacy of Black and African American ancestors by continuing its commitment to cultivate a community where it has a sense of belonging and feel included, valued and welcome.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
One Response
SMART W0RK I was kind of worried about the entire thing. I’ve never worked from home, But Yeah, (ddd) I did just join and all is good. so I will post back how it
goes!_____ clicked on the name in my profile