SPOKANE, Wash. — Wednesday, June 19, marks the third straight year that Juneteenth is marked as a federally recognized holiday.
Although it hasn't been a federal holiday for long, it has been around for more than a century.
People across the country were celebrating the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. after the Civil War.
Those celebrations took place in Spokane as well.
The Inland Northwest Juneteenth Coalition invited the Spokane community to celebrate the holiday together on Wednesday.
At Grant Park, the Spokane community came together to celebrate Juneteenth while also honoring the history and significance of this important holiday.
Families enjoyed vendors, food and local vendors.
It was a sunny Wednesday afternoon filled with smiles, food and music, which became a perfect mix for the celebration of Juneteenth.
The DJ set the tone for the day, and the sound of togetherness echoed through the park, a feeling you just can't help but sway to.
Neighbors shared smiles and learned about one another along the way.
"What a wonderful opportunity to support my niece and learn as much as I can about what different organizations in the community are doing," Susan McDonald said.
"It's very nice that I have a family that is incredibly supportive even though—I mean we are the same, but we're different," Allison Johnston said.
Michael Bethley with the Inland Northwest Juneteenth Coalition looked at the turnout on Wednesday and felt a sense of joy.
"Being able to come and celebrate together, having people support and fellowship together and network together, it's just a beautiful opportunity," Bethley said.
There was no shortage of fun or food at Grant Park, just as long as DJ Mark Thomas kept the groove moving.
"I hope they understand that we're all one person, we're all one group, we're all together, and whatever we do, it's got to come as a community and it's got to come through love," Thomas said.
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