The Women Of Color In Leadership Movement, in partnership with Media Island International, the Hawk Foundation and other sponsors, held its sixth annual Juneteenth celebration at Rebecca Howard Park in downtown Olympia on Saturday, June 20.
Juneteenth commemmorates June 19, 1865 — the date when 2,000 Black Union troops of the 25th Infantry arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and liberated 250,000 slaves.
The federal holiday recognizes the end of slavery in the United States.
Saturday's event at Rebecca Howard Park featured DJ Lady Hawk, the Buffalo Soldiers, Zambuko Marimba Ensemble, the Mustard Seed, Queen Care, Brenda Belle Soul Food, Jerk an Tingz, and more.
The Rebecca Howard Park celebration has historically been sponsored by the City of Olympia.
Shawna Hawk, founder of the Women of Color in Leadership Movement, has helped organize the city’s Juneteenth celebration since it began in 2021 , the same year the United States officially designated June 19 a federal holiday.
The City of Olympia chose to sponsor a different Juneteenth celebration this year, but sponsors and donors were able to cover the funding gap, allowing Saturday's celebration at Rebecca Howard Park to proceed.
The City of Olympia-sponsored event, ASHHO’s Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration, took place on Friday, June 19, in Tumwater.
Organizers described the community event as “a powerful evening of joy, culture, storytelling, belonging, and community connection as we honor the meaning and history of Juneteenth through music, spoken word, reflection, delicious food, art, and celebration.”
Event organizers also planned to “honor humble local leaders making a meaningful impact in our community through special recognition plaques,” according to promotional material.
The event was emceed by DJ Qualifi and featured spoken word artist Terrance “Caution” Turner.
Event organizers did not allow the Thurston Chronicle's photographer inside the venue to take photos. For coverage of the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/ashhoculturalcommunitycenter
Women Of Color In Leadership Movement's annual celebration in Olympia is directly tied to the development of Rebecca Howard Park as a space to honor Olympia's Black community and Black American pioneers.
The City of Olympia approved a Rebecca Howard Park development plan in March.
The final design includes a cafe and community hub for indoor gathering and workshops, a porch and stage for outdoor seating and performances, a lawn for large gatherings and general relaxation, a garden for quiet reflection, a gathering circle for smaller group meetings, a festival street that can be closed off for special events, and a reading nook across the street near the Olympia Timberland Library for storytimes and workshops.
Because funding has not yet been secured, the city does not yet have a timeline for the park’s completion.
Hawk has been a longtime advocate for ensuring the Rebecca Howard Park development plan is realized.
That development plan, and Women Of Color In Leadership Movement's annual Juneteenth celebration, are tied to a a desire to celebrate the freedom, resilience, culture, and vital contributions of Foundational Black Americans.
For more information on Women Of Color In Leadership Movement's ongoing work regarding Rebecca Howard Park, and future community events, visit https://www.thewomenofcolorinleadershipmovement.com/
