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Juneteenth celebration at Washington Capitol features governor’s proclamation, keynote and cultural performances
Summary
State and community leaders gathered at the Capitol on June 18 for BUILD’s Juneteenth event. Highlights included Governor Jay Inslee’s proclamation, a keynote urging procurement equity, land acknowledgment and spoken-word and musical performances.
State and community leaders, BUILD members and attendees gathered at the Washington State Capitol on June 18 for the BUILD (Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity) Juneteenth celebration, which combined cultural performances, a land acknowledgment, and remarks from local and state officials.
Governor Jay Inslee read a 2024 Juneteenth proclamation and praised Washington’s efforts to expand contracts for minority- and women-owned businesses. "We have reduced the recidivism rate ... by 20%," Inslee said, highlighting a reentry program the state has supported as part of efforts to help people return to work and family life. The governor urged continued work toward equity and thanked attendees for joining the celebration.
Melanie Denise Cunningham, introduced as a longtime community leader and board member for organizations including Northwest Harvest, delivered the keynote. Cunningham framed the event’s theme—"Soaring to Greater Heights While Standing on the Shoulders of Giants"—and urged state agencies to focus on procurement and contracting as mechanisms to build generational wealth for Black communities. She commended the Department of Enterprise Services for its efforts and said that securing a larger share of state contracts is a tangible path to economic justice.
The program also featured a spoken-word performance by Christian Page (Tacoma’s poet laureate), who recited pieces emphasizing historical memory and intergenerational responsibility, and a musical rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by BUILD’s choir. Dr. Marsha Tate Arunga of Evergreen State College gave a land acknowledgment, naming the gathering site as Squaxin land and honoring Nisqually and Puyallup people before a libation ceremony.
Organizers provided event logistics to attendees: the first 300 registered state employees received a yellow bracelet entitling them to one complimentary meal starting at 4 p.m., with vendors TAMU Foods, Seattle Soul Kitchen and Bow Lakes Fish and Chips listed as providers. BUILD leadership recognized volunteers and announced internal leadership changes, including Brian Lindstrom moving to the BUILD chair role on July 1.
The celebration concluded with a reading of the Juneteenth proclamation and preparations for a flag-raising ceremony and group photo at the Capitol Steps, after which attendees were invited to continue fellowship and food service.
