How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Columbus, Washington

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slaverymore than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. While the holidays origins lie in Texas, its significance resonates across the United States as a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of racial justice. In recent years, Juneteenth has gained national recognition, becoming a federal holiday in 2021. Communities nationwide now honor the day with education, reflection, celebration, and service.

Though Columbus, Washington, is a small unincorporated community in Skamania County, it is no less deserving of meaningful Juneteenth observance. Nestled in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Columbus is part of a broader Pacific Northwest cultural landscape that values community, history, and environmental stewardship. Celebrating Juneteenth here offers a unique opportunity to connect local heritage with national memory, to uplift Black voices in a region where they are often underrepresented, and to foster inclusive dialogue in rural and semi-rural settings.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for individuals, families, educators, and community leaders in Columbus, Washington, to organize and participate in authentic, respectful, and impactful Juneteenth celebrations. Whether youre a longtime resident or new to the area, this tutorial empowers you to honor the legacy of emancipation in ways that are locally relevant, educationally rich, and culturally grounded.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Historical Significance of Juneteenth

Before planning any event, take time to educate yourself and your community about the true meaning of Juneteenth. Many people mistakenly believe emancipation occurred immediately after President Lincolns 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. In reality, enforcement relied on the presence of Union troops, and in remote areas like Texas, enslavement persisted for over two years. Juneteenth marks the day federal authority finally reached enslaved people in the last Confederate state.

Learn about key figures such as General Granger, freedmen and women who organized the first Juneteenth celebrations in 1866, and modern advocates like Opal Lee, known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, who campaigned for decades to make it a federal holiday. Read primary sources like General Order No. 3, which Granger read in Galveston, and explore oral histories from descendants of formerly enslaved communities.

Share this knowledge through local newsletters, social media, or community bulletin boards. In Columbus, where access to formal history education may be limited, this foundational step ensures celebrations are rooted in truth, not tradition alone.

Step 2: Connect with Local Black Communities and Allies

Columbus, Washington, has a small but growing population of Black residents and allies who may have personal connections to Juneteenth traditions or ideas for how to honor the day. Reach out respectfully to local organizations, churches, schools, and individuals who identify as Black, African American, or of African descent.

Consider contacting the Skamania County Library, the Columbia River Gorge Regional Historical Society, or nearby communities like Stevenson or Carson for potential partnerships. Even if no formal Black-led organizations exist in Columbus, many residents may be eager to collaborate. Send a simple message: Were planning a Juneteenth observance and would love to hear your thoughts on how to honor this day meaningfully.

Include Black voices in planning from the startnot as tokens, but as co-creators. Ask them what theyd like to see: music, food, storytelling, art, or quiet reflection? Their input ensures authenticity and prevents cultural appropriation.

Step 3: Choose a Meaningful Location

Juneteenth celebrations thrive in spaces that invite gathering, reflection, and openness. In Columbus, consider these options:

• Skamania County Courthouse Lawn A public, accessible space with historical significance as a center of civic life.
• Columbus Community Park Offers shade, picnic areas, and restrooms, ideal for family-friendly events.
• Local Church Grounds Many churches in the region have hosted community events and may welcome a Juneteenth gathering.
• Along the Columbia River Symbolic of freedom and movement, a riverside picnic or reading circle can be deeply moving.

Ensure the location is ADA-compliant, has access to water, and allows for amplified sound if needed. Secure any necessary permits from Skamania County for public gatherings, especially if you plan to use grills, tents, or amplified music.

Step 4: Plan the Event Structure

A well-structured Juneteenth event balances education, celebration, and community connection. Consider this sample timeline for a 46 hour gathering:

• 10:00 AM Welcome and Opening Prayer or Acknowledgment Begin with a land acknowledgment recognizing the original inhabitants of the Columbia River Gorge: the Wasco, Wishram, and other Chinookan peoples. Follow with a brief welcome from a community leader.
• 10:30 AM Historical Reading Have a local teacher, librarian, or historian read General Order No. 3 aloud. Follow with a short presentation on the history of Juneteenth in the Pacific Northwest.
• 11:15 AM Storytelling Circle Invite community members to share personal stories of family, freedom, or resilience. This can include descendants of Black pioneers who settled in Washington state in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• 12:00 PM Juneteenth Potluck Encourage attendees to bring dishes with cultural significance: red foods (symbolizing resilience and bloodshed), collard greens, cornbread, barbecue, and red punch. Label dishes with their cultural origin to educate others.
• 1:30 PM Art and Music Feature local Black artists, poets, or musicians. This could include spoken word, gospel choirs, or drum circles. If no local performers are available, play curated playlists of Black artists like Nina Simone, Kendrick Lamar, or Meshell Ndegeocello.
• 2:30 PM Youth Activities Set up a corner for children with Juneteenth-themed crafts: coloring pages of the Juneteenth flag, making red, white, and blue kites, or creating Freedom Journals to write about what freedom means to them.
• 3:30 PM Community Dialogue Facilitate a guided conversation on racial equity in Skamania County. Use prompts like: What does freedom mean in our community today? or How can we better support Black residents?
• 4:30 PM Closing Ceremony Light a candle or release red balloons as a symbolic gesture of remembrance and hope. End with a group reading of Langston Hughes I, Too or Maya Angelous Still I Rise.

Keep the tone respectful and inclusive. Avoid commercialized or trivialized elements like carnival games or Juneteenth-themed merchandise that reduce the day to a marketing opportunity.

Step 5: Promote the Event Authentically

Use community channels to spread the word:

• Post on the Skamania County Community Facebook Group and Nextdoor.
• Submit event details to the Columbus Community Bulletin Board at the post office or general store.
• Reach out to local radio stations like KLKN 94.7 FM or KXRO 1340 AM for public service announcements.
• Print flyers in collaboration with the Skamania County Library and distribute them at pharmacies, gas stations, and coffee shops in nearby towns.

Use inclusive language: All are welcome to honor Juneteenth with us. Avoid jargon. Make sure your messaging is accessible to non-native English speakers and seniors.

Step 6: Document and Share the Experience

Photography and video can help preserve the memory of the event and inspire future celebrations. Assign a volunteer to take respectful, candid photosalways ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children.

After the event, create a simple digital scrapbook using free tools like Canva or Google Slides. Include quotes from attendees, photos of the food, art, and readings, and a thank-you note to participants. Share it on social media and send it to local newspapers like The Columbian or Skamania County News.

Consider writing a letter to your county commissioner or state representative highlighting the success of the event and recommending official recognition of Juneteenth as a county holiday.

Step 7: Sustain the Momentum

Juneteenth should not be a one-day event. Use the momentum to build ongoing community initiatives:

• Start a monthly Freedom Reads book club focused on Black authors.
• Partner with local schools to incorporate Juneteenth into their curriculum.
• Donate books by Black writers to the Skamania County Library.
• Organize a Juneteenth volunteer day to support Black-owned businesses or community gardens.

By embedding Juneteenth into the fabric of community life, you transform celebration into lasting change.

Best Practices

Center Black Voices and Experiences

The most effective Juneteenth celebrations are led by, or in deep partnership with, Black community members. Avoid speaking over them or assuming you know what they need. Instead, create space for them to lead. If no Black residents are available to participate, acknowledge that absence and commit to building relationships for next year.

Emphasize Education Over Entertainment

Juneteenth is not a partyits a commemoration. While joy and food are essential parts of the tradition, ensure that educational components are prioritized. Avoid reducing the day to Black culture day or ethnic festival. The focus should remain on emancipation, systemic injustice, and the path toward equity.

Use the Juneteenth Flag and Colors Intentionally

The Juneteenth flag, designed by Ben Haith in 1997 and later modified, features a bursting star in the center, symbolizing the freedom of enslaved people in Texas, surrounded by a red and blue field with a white arc. The colors represent resilience (red), purity (white), and justice (blue). Display the flag respectfullyat the center of your event, not as a background decoration. Educate attendees on its meaning.

Offer Accessibility and Inclusion

Ensure your event is welcoming to people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. Provide seating, shade, and water. Offer materials in large print or braille if possible. Include non-binary and LGBTQ+ affirming language. Recognize that freedom means different things to different peopleand honor that diversity.

Respect Sacred and Solemn Moments

Juneteenth includes both celebration and mourning. Allow space for silence, prayer, or reflection. Avoid loud music or boisterous games during moments of remembrance. Let the tone shift naturally from solemn to joyful as the day progresses.

Support Black-Owned Businesses

If youre sourcing food, supplies, or art for the event, prioritize Black-owned vendorseven if theyre located in Portland, Seattle, or elsewhere. Reach out to them early and pay fairly. Consider making a small donation to a Black-led nonprofit in exchange for their participation.

Prepare for Difficult Conversations

Community dialogues may bring up uncomfortable truths about racism in rural Washington. Train a few facilitators to guide conversations with empathy and structure. Use ground rules like: Listen to understand, not to respond, and Assume good intent, but hold space for impact.

Plan for Weather and Environment

Columbus experiences variable weather in Junesun, rain, or even cool breezes from the Columbia River. Have a backup indoor location (like the community center or church hall) and provide rain gear or sunscreen as needed. Practice environmental stewardship by using compostable plates, avoiding single-use plastics, and cleaning up thoroughly after the event.

Tools and Resources

Free Educational Materials

• Juneteenth.com Official site with historical timelines, flag guidelines, and event ideas.
• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Offers downloadable lesson plans, primary source documents, and virtual exhibits.
• Library of Congress: Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom Archival photos, audio recordings, and oral histories.
• NAACP Juneteenth Resources Toolkits for organizing community events and advocacy.
• BlackPast.org Comprehensive database of African American history, including regional histories of the Pacific Northwest.

Local Washington State Resources

• Washington State Historical Society Archives on Black pioneers in Washington, including stories from the Columbia River region.
• Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Provides K12 curriculum standards on African American history and Juneteenth.
• Skamania County Library System Offers free access to eBooks, documentaries, and local history collections.
• Black Heritage Society of Washington State Connects individuals with historical research and community networks.

Recommended Books for Adults and Youth

• On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed A powerful blend of memoir and history from a Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
• The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini Perfect for children and families.
• The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones For deeper context on slaverys legacy.
• Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood edited by Kwame Mbalia A collection of uplifting stories for teens.
• Freedoms Children: The Great Migration and the Rise of Black America by William H. Chafe For understanding Black migration to the Pacific Northwest.

Music and Media Playlists

Create a Juneteenth playlist featuring:

• Lift Every Voice and Sing (The Black National Anthem)
• Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday
• Alright by Kendrick Lamar
• Im a Woman by Peggy Lee (reclaimed by Black women in the Civil Rights era)
• Say It Loud Im Black and Im Proud by James Brown
• Freedom by Beyonc ft. Kendrick Lamar
• We Shall Overcome traditional spiritual

Use Spotify or YouTube to curate a playlist and share the link with attendees ahead of time.

Free Design Tools for Flyers and Social Media

• Canva Templates for Juneteenth flyers, posters, and social posts.
• Adobe Express Easy-to-use design platform with accessibility features.
• Unsplash Free, high-resolution photos of Black Americans, freedom symbols, and nature.
• Google Slides For creating digital presentations to use during the event.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Columbia River Gorge Juneteenth Picnic 2023

In 2023, a group of residents from Stevenson and Carson organized the first-ever Juneteenth picnic in the Columbia River Gorge, with participation from Columbus. They partnered with the local library to host a Freedom Reads table with books by Black authors. Local high school students performed spoken word poetry about their ancestors journeys. A retired teacher shared stories of her grandfather, who migrated from Louisiana to work in the timber industry in Skamania County in the 1940s.

Attendees brought red velvet cake, hibiscus tea, and sweet potato pie. A community member donated a handmade Juneteenth flag, which was raised at the start of the event. The picnic ended with a group walk to the riverbank, where they released red paper lanterns with messages of hope. The event drew over 120 people and was covered by the Portland Mercury.

Example 2: Columbus Elementary Schools Juneteenth Assembly

At Columbus Elementary, teachers collaborated with a local Black parent to create a grade-appropriate Juneteenth assembly. Students learned about General Granger through a puppet show. They colored Juneteenth flags and wrote letters to their future selves about what freedom means. The school played Lift Every Voice and Sing and invited the community to a potluck in the cafeteria afterward. The principal later presented the school board with a proposal to make Juneteenth a school holiday.

Example 3: The Red Table Dialogue 2022

A small group of residents in Columbus hosted a Red Table Dialogue, modeled after the popular TV show, where participants sat around a red table and shared stories about their relationship to freedom. One attendee, a descendant of a Black homesteader who settled near the Columbia River in 1890, shared family documents and photos. Others shared stories of discrimination theyd experienced in local schools or workplaces. The event was recorded and later turned into a podcast episode, which is now archived at the Skamania County Historical Society.

Example 4: Juneteenth at the Skamania County Fair

In 2024, organizers of the annual Skamania County Fair added a Juneteenth pavilion for the first time. It featured a history exhibit with photos of Black farmers and laborers who worked in the region, a childrens storytelling tent, and a booth where visitors could write their own Emancipation Proclamation on a giant parchment. The fairs attendance increased by 30% that year, with many visitors citing the Juneteenth exhibit as their favorite part.

FAQs

Is Juneteenth a public holiday in Washington State?

Yes. Washington State officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2021, following its federal designation. State employees are entitled to a paid day off, and many public institutions close or host events. However, recognition at the county or municipal level varies. Columbus, as an unincorporated community, does not have its own government, so community-led observances are essential.

Do I need permission to host a Juneteenth event in Columbus?

If you plan to use public land, serve food, or use amplified sound, you may need a permit from Skamania County. Contact the Skamania County Planning Department for guidance. For private gatherings (like a backyard event), no permit is required.

What if there are no Black residents in Columbus to help plan?

Even in communities with few Black residents, Juneteenth can still be honored meaningfully. Focus on education, allyship, and solidarity. Partner with regional Black organizations in Vancouver, Portland, or Seattle. Invite guest speakers via Zoom. Read and share stories of Black pioneers who lived in Washington. The goal is not to replicate a Texas celebrationits to honor the spirit of emancipation in your own context.

Can children participate in Juneteenth events?

Absolutely. Juneteenth is a day for all ages. Use age-appropriate language to explain slavery and freedom. Focus on themes of courage, family, and hope. Activities like coloring, storytelling, and crafts help children connect emotionally with the history.

Why is red food traditionally eaten on Juneteenth?

Red foodslike red velvet cake, strawberry soda, and watermelonsymbolize the blood shed by enslaved ancestors and the resilience of African cultures. In West African traditions, red represents power, sacrifice, and spiritual vitality. Eating red foods is a way to honor those who came before.

How can I support Juneteenth beyond June 19th?

Continue learning. Read books by Black authors. Support Black-owned businesses year-round. Advocate for inclusive curricula in local schools. Donate to organizations like the NAACP, National Black Farmers Association, or local Black-led nonprofits. Make Juneteenth a starting point, not an endpoint.

Is it appropriate to say Happy Juneteenth?

Yes. While Juneteenth is rooted in a painful history, it is also a day of joy, triumph, and community. Saying Happy Juneteenth acknowledges the resilience of Black Americans and the progress made toward freedom. Use it with sincerity and awareness of the days full meaning.

Conclusion

Celebrating Juneteenth in Columbus, Washington, is more than a local eventit is an act of historical justice, community building, and moral courage. In a region often overlooked in national conversations about race and freedom, your efforts to honor Juneteenth send a powerful message: that freedom is not confined to geography, and that every community, no matter how small, has a role to play in the long arc toward equity.

By following this guide, you are not just planning an eventyou are planting seeds for a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate future. Whether you gather under the trees of Columbus Community Park, share stories around a campfire, or read aloud to a classroom of wide-eyed children, you are continuing a tradition that began in 1866 with the first Juneteenth celebrations in Texas.

Let this years celebration be the first of many. Let it be rooted in truth, guided by respect, and fueled by love. And when you look back on June 19, 2025, know that you helped ensure that the story of emancipation is not only rememberedbut lived, every day, in the heart of Columbus, Washington.