Mayor Rebecca Erickson proclaims Juneteenth celebration in Poulsbo for June 2025

Juneteenth will be officially recognized in Poulsbo, Washington, as Mayor Rebecca Erickson proclaimed June 19, 2025, as a day to celebrate African American freedom and the end of slavery in the United States. This significant announcement highlights the importance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the moment when enslaved individuals in Texas were informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

In her proclamation, Mayor Erickson emphasized that Juneteenth is the oldest public celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S. and serves as a reminder of the core American values of freedom, equality, and opportunity. The mayor encouraged all citizens to participate in the upcoming Juneteenth Freedom Festival, scheduled for June 14, 2025, at Evergreen Rotary Park in Bremerton, which will include a People's March starting at 10:15 AM.

Although Mayor Erickson expressed regret for missing last year's celebration due to an accident, she acknowledged the event's success and encouraged community involvement in recognizing this important initiative. The proclamation not only honors the historical significance of Juneteenth but also aims to foster a spirit of unity and reflection within the Poulsbo community.