Thousands gather for Juneteenth celebrations, rallies

SEATTLE — Thousands gathered Friday in Seattle for several rallies and celebrations for Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 when all enslaved Black people learned they had been freed.

The march went through significant African- American landmarks in the Central District.

The rally featured U.S. Reps. Adam Smith and Pramila Jayapal, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan.

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The Central District march was one of many events. In Ballard, there was a march organized by Justice for Black Lives to recognize and remove the systemic limitations of racism and bias everywhere.

Dockworkers in the International Longshore and Warehouse Union marched as part of a coordinated eight-hour work stoppage to honor Juneteenth and protest against police violence and racism. This happened at 29 ports on the West Coast.

Also, on Friday, the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle worked with five black museums throughout the United States to create a virtual Juneteenth celebration.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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