Juneteenth at the Beach celebrates freedom
The 2025 Juneteenth at the Beach event attracted several hundred participants to the Edmonds Waterfront Center, featuring a community meal, a screening of "Hidden Figures," and engaging activities. U. S. Rep. Rick Larsen noted that this year marks 160 years since the emancipation proclamation reached the last enslaved individuals in the Confederacy, urging attendees to take action for diversity and equity.
Edmonds Food Bank Executive Director Casey Davis highlighted the importance of recognizing freedom as an ongoing commitment, not just a historical moment. The event included donations for the food bank, emphasizing community support and resilience. Seattle actress Eva Abram compared democracy to a mountain, warning about the fragility of freedoms. She cautioned that allowing rights to be taken away could threaten others' liberties. The gathering served as both a celebration and a call to action, reinforcing the significance of liberation and community.
Local leaders voiced their commitment to social justice and support for those facing food insecurity.