A Decade of Legacy: Celebrating 10 Years of Juneteenth in Southeast Seattle

By Ann Okwuwolu, Executive Director

It Takes A Village AMSA Edition

This year marks a milestone that fills my heart with gratitude and pride: the 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration hosted by It Takes A Village AMSA Edition.

When we hosted our first Juneteenth celebration in 2016, the vision was simple. I wanted to create a space where Black families in Southeast Seattle could come together to celebrate freedom, culture, resilience, and community. I wanted our children to learn their history, our elders to share their wisdom, and our community to have a place where we could gather in joy and fellowship.

Ten years later, that vision has grown into a beloved community tradition.

Over the past decade, thousands of community members have joined us for Juneteenth celebrations filled with music, food, storytelling, cultural performances, youth activities, health resources, local businesses, and opportunities to connect. While the event itself lasts a day, the relationships built through it continue throughout the year.

As we celebrate this milestone, I would be remiss if I did not honor someone who helped shape this journey: Ms. DeCharlene.

When I first became interested in organizing a Juneteenth celebration in South Seattle, Ms. DeCharlene welcomed me with open arms. She took me under her wing, shared her knowledge, and encouraged me to continue building something meaningful for our community. She supported our Juneteenth efforts, and I supported hers. Together, we shared a commitment to preserving the history and significance of Juneteenth while creating opportunities for our communities to gather, heal, learn, and celebrate.

Her mentorship, generosity, and dedication to the community helped inspire much of the work we continue today. As we celebrate ten years of Juneteenth, we also celebrate the legacy of leaders like Ms. DeCharlene whose impact continues to be felt throughout Seattle.

It Takes A Village AMSA Edition has always been about more than a single event. Throughout the year, we work to strengthen our community through food access programs, cultural celebrations, youth leadership opportunities, health and wellness initiatives, emergency preparedness efforts, environmental justice projects, and resource navigation for families across Southeast Seattle and beyond.

Our theme this year is "Legacy."

Legacy is about remembering where we came from, honoring those who paved the way, and ensuring future generations understand both the struggles and triumphs that brought us to this moment.

Juneteenth is not simply a celebration of freedom delayed. It is a celebration of resilience, perseverance, culture, and community. It reminds us that freedom is something that must be protected, nurtured, and passed on.

As we gather for our 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 20, 2026, we invite the entire community to join us in honoring our history, celebrating our present, and investing in our future.

Together, we celebrate freedom. Together, we celebrate legacy.

10th Annual Juneteenth CelebrationSaturday, June 20, 20262:00 PM – 6:00 PMNew Holly Gathering HallSeattle, Washington

Hosted by It Takes A Village AMSA Edition