Photo depicting a Black-presenting mother wearing a red jacket dancing and laughing while holding a toddler wearing a pink jumpsuit.
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PHOTO ESSAY | Juneteenth 2023 at Jimi Hendrix Park

by Susan Fried

Despite a typical “Juneuary” day in Seattle, thousands of people attended the Juneteenth Celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park on June 19. The second year since Juneteenth became recognized as a federal holiday, and the first time the event was held without COVID-19 restrictions, brought out lots of people in the mood to celebrate. 

Juneteenth recognizes the day enslaved people in Texas were told on January 19, 1865, by Major General Gordon Granger that they were free — two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. 

The celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park was part of Africatown’s Summer of Soul series, sponsored by King County Equity Now. The event featured over a hundred vendors, a children’s zone, food, and an incredible entertainment lineup including internationally acclaimed recording artists Kevin Ross and Talib Kweli, who was banned from Twitter and Instagram for harassment.

Photo depicting crowds of people gathered for Juneteenth celebration in Jimi Hendrix Park.
Thousands of people showed up at Jimi Hendrix Park on Monday, June 19, 2023, to celebrate Juneteenth. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Photo depicting a crowd sitting in Jimi Hendrix Park celebrating Juneteenth.
The crowd at Jimi Hendrix Park on Juneteenth. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Photo depicting Skye Dior wearing a red outfit with a blue vest and blue glasses performing with Rell Be Free, also performing, in the background in a yellow hat.
Hip-hop and rap artists Skye Dior and Rell Be Free perform together during the Juneteenth Celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Photo depicting Samir Reign performing on stage.
Samir Reign, one of more than a dozen entertainers, sings to an appreciative crowd. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Photo depicting a Black- and female-presenting youth dancing with a purple jacket/fabric.
A little girl dances at the Juneteenth Celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Photo depicting Robert Braxton in a red shirt celebrating enthusiastically.
Robert Braxton gets into the celebration. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Photo depicting a Black-presenting couple dancing in Jimi Hendrix Park.
A couple dances to the music. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Photo depicting DeVona Roy painting a portrait.
Artist DeVona Roy paints on stage during the annual Juneteenth Celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Photo depicting the New Generation Throwback dance team in yellow hoodies performing in Jimi Hendrix Park.
Just after winning Best Theme at the annual Bubbling Brown Sugar Dance contest on Saturday, the New Generation Throwback dance team wowed the crowd at the Juneteenth Celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Photo depicting DJ Blast spinning tracks and performing on stage at Jimi Hendrix Park.
DJ Blast plays some dance music to get the crowd going. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Susan Fried is a 40-year veteran photographer. Her early career included weddings, portraits, and commercial work — plus, she’s been The Skanner News’ Seattle photographer for 25 years. Her images have appeared in the University of Washington’s The Daily, The Seattle Globalist, Crosscut, and many more. She’s been an Emerald contributor since 2015. Follow her on Instagram @fried.susan.

📸 Featured Image: Mom, Renee, dances with 1-year-old Ray’Onna. (Photo: Susan Fried)

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