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Federal Way proclaims Junth and plans city observance; community groups call it a call to action
Summary
Federal Way declared June 19, 2026, Junth with remarks from the FW Black Collective and the city's diversity commission. Officials urged residents to attend a downtown observance this week and described Junth as both commemoration and a prompt to continue local equity work.
Federal Way's mayor and city council on Tuesday proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Junth in the city and invited residents to a civic observance planned at noon Thursday outside City Hall.
The proclamation, presented during the council's June 16 meeting, acknowledged Junth's origins in Major General Gordon Granger's June 19, 1865, General Order No. 3 that informed formerly enslaved people in Galveston of their freedom. "Junth commemorates the resilience, perseverance, and contributions of African-Americans," the document reads, and calls on the community to build "a more perfect union."
Tanisha Lions of the FW Black Collective told the council Junth is "more than a historical observance. It is a call to action," and urged local investment in economic mobility, educational equity and safe housing as part of honoring the holiday. Craig Patrick, vice chair of the city's Diversity Commission, said the new civic observance grew from collaboration between community groups and the commission and asked residents to attend the city event, which will include music and poetry and remarks by several state legislators as well as Council Member Les Cessums.
Why it matters: Junth, sometimes described as America's "second independence day," marks the final enforcement of emancipation in parts of the former Confederacy. In Federal Way, local organizers framed the proclamation not as an endpoint but as a reminder that civic institutions and residents have ongoing work to support equity and opportunity.
What officials said: Mayor Frell and Council Member Cessums highlighted the city's planned schedule of activities tied to Junth and encouraged attendees to use the observance to learn local history and recognize community leaders.
What's next: The city will host a downtown Junth event at noon Thursday, with speakers, music and a keynote by Council Member Les Cessums. The proclamation directs city departments to support civic observance and educational activities tied to Junth.
The council also recognized related community work at the meeting, including arts and library Junth programs and a Junth celebration hosted by local faith groups.
