51³Ô¹Ï

Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, is a day to celebrate, learn and reflect on the meaning of freedom, diversity, equality and inclusion, as expressed by Gonzaga University Chief Diversity Officer Robin Kelley here. On the occasion of Juneteenth 2022, our community offers a number of opportunities to participate.

Upcoming Events: 

Juneteenth at Spark Central

Join Spark Central and KSPS to celebrate Juneteenth with food, conversation and art! Enjoy dinner from Fresh Soul, watch and share thoughts on PBS KIDS “Talk 51³Ô¹Ï: Race & Racism,” and express what freedom means to us through art. Families with children between ages 2 and 8 will get the most out of the movie and activity offered in this program. Friday, June 17, 4:30-7 p.m. Dinner served at 4:30. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Parkway. Free, open to the public. For more information, visit .

The following events are in collaboration with the MLK Community Center and The Carl Maxey Center:

Juneteenth Celebration – Community Pillar Awards

Honoring those who have impacted and uplifted the Spokane African American Community. Friday, June 17, 6-8 p.m. Martin Luther King Family Outreach Center, 500 S. Stone St. $25, or $185 for a table that seats 8. For more information contact .

Juneteenth Celebration at MLK Community Center

Music, food, vendors, fun. Saturday, June 18, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., MLK Family Outreach Center, 500 S. Stone St. Free. For more information contact .

Juneteenth Celebration – Movie in the Park

Showing TBA. Promoting family while enjoying a movie. Saturday, June 18, 8:30-10:30 p.m., Underhill Park. Free. For more information contact .

Juneteenth Celebration – Praise in the Park

Giving thanks and glory with a collaborative praise and worship service. Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Liberty Park. Free. For more information contact .

Juneteenth Celebration – Father’s Day Brunch

Celebrating fathers, male role/father figures, and how Spokane plays a role in the foundation of this special day. Sunday June 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Emmanuel Family Life Center. Free. For more information contact .

Additional resources:

This resource includes links to several interviews with formerly enslaved Black/African Americans about their memories of gaining their freedom.

A longer narrative of the history of Juneteenth.

This resource includes pictures of Maj. Gen. George Granger and the house from which he read General Order No 3.

The original handwritten document.