Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom, Advancing Equity and Justice for All
Last updated: June 18, 2024, at 9:50 a.m. PT
Originally published: June 4, 2024, at 7:39 a.m. PT
By Loria Yeadon, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Seattle
The Juneteenth holiday is a perfect time to elevate the Y’s vision: to advance equity and justice for all. This holiday represents freedom and hope, as well as resilience and an unwavering commitment to equity for all races, ethnicities, places of origin, genders, and walks of life.
As we reflect on the importance of Juneteenth this year, we’re engaging with our community in two important ways. First, we’re elevating the connection between Juneteenth and the importance of voting among Black and other underserved communities. We’re also lifting SONGS OF BLACK FOLK, showcasing music of resistance and hope.
Voter Registration at YMCA of Greater Seattle Locations
The YMCA of Greater Seattle’s African American Resource Network is hosting voter registration tables on Juneteenth. Visit select YMCA of Greater Seattle location on Wednesday, June 19, and register to vote.
Locations and Times
- Auburn Valley YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 to 8:00 pm
- Bellevue Family YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 to 8:00 pm
- Coal Creek Family YMCA: 4:00 to 8:00 pm
- Dale Turner Family YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Downtown Seattle YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Kent YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 to 8:00 pm
- Matt Griffin YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Northshore YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Sammamish Community YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Snoqualmie Valley YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 to 8:00 pm
- University Family YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- West Seattle YMCA: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Voter registration advocacy and Juneteenth offer an important connection for the voting rights of the Black community. While Juneteenth recognizes the day enslaved Americans were notified of their freedom in Galveston, Texas, it wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that real protections were put into place to provide Black Americans the freedom to vote.
As we celebrate Juneteenth this year, we also recognize the need to continue to advocate for systems that enable and encourage all Black Americans to vote and have all voices considered during our election process.
Learn about the connection between Juneteenth and voting rights advocacy:
- From Emancipation to Empowerment: Juneteenth's Enduring Connection to Voting Rights >
- Juneteenth: An Explainer >
SONGS OF BLACK FOLK: Music of Resistance & Hope
SONGS OF BLACK FOLK returns even bigger, bolder, and grander for its 2024 production on Sunday evening June 16, at 7:00 pm at the iconic Paramount Theatre in Seattle.
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is honored to sponsor this annual event and invites you to join us for SONGS OF BLACK FOLK, featuring Negro Spirituals and their evolution into other Black musical genres including, blues, jazz, Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, and even spoken word.
Celebrating Together
From voter registration to musical celebration, we invite you to join the YMCA of Greater Seattle as we center equity and justice for all through Juneteenth. Join the Juneteenth celebration, participate, and learn by engaging in Juneteenth activities at your local Y or in your local community.
In community & gratitude,
Loria Yeadon
President & CEO
YMCA of Greater Seattle