Dear fellow King County employee,

As we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth tomorrow, June 19, I want to take a moment to recognize the deep significance of this day, not only in American history, but also in our collective journey toward racial justice, equity, and freedom.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a day that represents the long and ongoing struggle for true racial equity and freedom, and an opportunity to learn from some of the most shameful aspects of our past as we work to create a better future.

King County first celebrated Juneteenth as an official, annual County holiday in 2022 to reflect on our nation’s history of racial injustice and reaffirm our commitment to building a racially just future.

Juneteenth is a day for reflection, but also for action. It calls on us to learn from the past, confront present injustices, and imagine a future grounded in dignity, equity, and inclusion for all. It reminds us that freedom is not static – it must be protected, expanded, and renewed by each generation.

Racial injustice, inequality, and race-based violence remain deeply embedded in our society today. Juneteenth is an important symbol of the ongoing fight for freedom — and a reminder of how far we have come and how far we still have to go, to truly achieve a racially just America.

Black History is our history, the heritage of our nation and county. As we celebrate Juneteenth, I encourage you to take time to learn, reflect, and participate in ways that feel meaningful to you — whether through reading, community events, conversations, or acts of service.

Together, we can build a strong, pro-equity, anti-racist future and an equitable and welcoming King County where every person can thrive.

Sincerely,

Shannon Braddock
King County Executive