Council Endorses Friday, June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth

June 17, 2020 - The City Council is pleased to endorse Friday, June 19, as Juneteenth 2020 in Mercer Island. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, recognizing African American freedom and emphasizing education and achievement.

Mercer Island will join many other communities across the country to celebrate Juneteenth, when people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.

ONE MI, the Mercer Island PTA, the Mercer Island School Board of Directors, and the Mercer Island Community Fund, invite all Islanders to jointly celebrate this Friday from 5:00-8:00pm, even while we stay apart.  Islanders are encouraged to mark this historic day with (socially distanced) front yard and park cookouts, picnics, and music while building community with neighbors.  Everyone can share Juneteenth traditions that include drawing the Juneteenth flag, reading the Emancipation Proclamation, and serving red foods and drink, which symbolize resilience.

Learn more at: www.juneteenth.com