
Seattle, Washington – The King County Library System (KCLS) is inviting patrons to commemorate Juneteenth, a nationally recognized holiday that signifies the end of slavery in the United States. This June, KCLS has curated reading recommendations and organized special events to honor the resilience and joy of the African American community and shed light on their rich heritage.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the historic day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the end of slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, had taken two and a half years to reach all enslaved individuals in the country.
To encourage a deeper understanding of African American heritage and the significance of freedom, KCLS…