SPOKANE, Wash. – On June 19th, 2024, the Inland Northwest Juneteenth Coalition (INJC) is hosting its 14th annual Juneteenth celebration in hopes of educating the greater Spokane community.
From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., there will be speakers, music, vendors, food, and bouncy houses at Grant Park as part of the celebration; the goal is for the community to learn about African American history in America, and what the Juneteenth holiday is all about.
The INJC has seen a lot of growth as an organization since they first started in 2011.
At their first celebration in Liberty Park, on Sunday, June 19th, 2011, about 20 people gathered for about 3 hours to listen to speakers in the rain.
It was not until 2012 when local community colleges (SCC, SFCC) and Spokane Public Schools (SPS) got involved with INJC to provide resources and support.
Two years later, in 2014, it was the first year the INJC added the Pillar Awards, where they honor those who uplift the African American community in Spokane.
It was not until 2021, a decade after their first celebration, that Juneteenth became a federal holiday.
Fast forward to today…
It’s year 14 of INJC celebrations and suffice to say, they have come a long way.
“Back then it wasn’t recognized by the state,” said Alan Jones, INJC co-founder. “It wasn’t a federal holiday, it really wasn’t known by a lot of people in the community, and if it was, they didn’t celebrate it.”
Jones wants the community to continue to learn the history of Juneteenth this holiday; starting before you go to an event.
It starts with research. Jones says you need to know what you are celebrating before the celebration. He encourages the community to do their homework, read the Emancipation Proclamation, and work to understand the context behind it.
Once you know a bit about the history of Juneteenth, Jones says it’s the perfect time to attend an event and ask questions to dig for a deeper understanding.
Then Jones wants you to share what you have learned. He knows people will have to go outside their circle to educate the community.
“That’s the only way it will continue to grow,” said Jones. “When more people know about it. A snowball can’t grow unless you roll it.”
Click here for more info about INJC and Wednesday’s events!
