JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL ? 23rd Annual Event Beginning June 16 at Pratt ParkAfrican-American Emancipation Day Celebration will be held at Pratt Park, 1800 S. Main St., Seattle, WA. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger found and freed 250,000 blacks still enslaved in Galveston, Texas - signifying the end of slavery. Consequently, the date June 19 has been recognized every year since, making it the oldest known celebration of the abolition of slavery. Initially referred to as "June 19th" the name eventually changed to a shorter "Juneteenth." Originally a local celebration in Texas, Juneteenth was brought to Seattle by DeCharlene Williams. CONTACT: DeCharlene and the Central Area Chamber of Commerce at 206/322-8296 for more information.

Delbert Richardson Takes Students of All Ages On a Journey through "The Unspoken Truths" This June 2007 at Calm Rain Studio African American historian Delbert Richardson take visitors on a journey through "The Unspoken Truths" via the ?American History Exhibit? at Calm Rain Studio each weekend this June as he presents and narrates artifacts, memorabilia, relics and documents reflecting African civilization, abduction, slavery, segregation, accomplishments, and contemporary challenges. The exhibit will be at Calm Rain Studio June 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, and 30 from 11am to 6pm. A $5 donation is asked and children 13 and under are admitted free. Calm Rain is located at 1825 So. Jackson Street, Seattle. (Corner of 19th and Jackson St.) Mr. Richardson is an educator and storyteller with an appealing style that draws his audiences in and allows them to explore the struggles, challenges and accomplishments of African and African American people. Richardson presents an extensive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and encourages commitment to equality and justice. He examines the ceremonies, customs and cultural practices passed down through the generations, while illustrating the wealth of resources of Africa. Arrangements can be made through Mr. Richardson to bring ?The Unspoken Truths? to schools and other venues, on request. More information is available from Calm Rain founder Eba Yao Hilario at (206) 860-3974. Mr. Richardson can be reached at (206) 772-9409

Juneteenth Celebration honoring African-Americans and Promoting alcohol awareness in the West Seattle community Hosted by the ?Stop Youth Drinking, Start Thinking? Coalition Contact: office: 206-252-9179, cell: 206-396-2945 Rena? Gaines West Seattle community members are invited to help celebrate Juneteenth with speakers, entertainment, food, games and prizes Saturday, June 16, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way S.W.. Youth task force members of the ?Stop Youth Drinking, Start Thinking? Coalition are hosting this FREE event, open to the public. For questions about the celebration and the coalition, contact Community Coordinator Rena? Gaines, (206) 252-9179. Washington State joins 25 other states in commemorating June 19, 1865. Youth coalition members decided to organize a community-positive, alcohol-free prevention activity, using skills they have learned, while honoring their ancestors and highlighting the events of this historic week. Additional goals are to increase the community?s awareness about the impacts of alcohol and the current health epidemic of underage drinking. About the coalition and sponsors: Due to 23% of 8th graders reporting they used alcohol within a 30 day period on the 2004 Healthy Youth Survey, Madison Middle School received a Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant. The funding for Strategic Prevention Framework ? State Incentive Grant comes through a grant from Washington State Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA) and from the Federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). The coalition formed to assess the community needs, resources and the gaps, build capacity, develop a comprehensive strategic plan, implement evidence-based prevention programs and activities and monitor and evaluate during the process.