This begins the newest Bellingham Tradition! Let us come together as an inclusive community to recognize our intertwined liberation and celebrate National Freedom Day, an American Holiday paying tribute to 153 years of independence. Party with Black Lives Matter Bellingham on Saturday, June 16th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Maritime Heritage Park to commemorate the official enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19, 1865, announced via the harbor of Galveston, Texas. Join us in honoring the astounding achievements of Black People and their accomplices working together to etch true civil liberty into history.

Bring your food and blanket to spread on the grass around the Maritime Amphitheatre for this community picnic! There will be live music by Bellingham's own funk/soul/R&B cover band Groovebot, step dance, food vending, a gospel choir, a Conscious Conversation with Dr Bre Haizlip, community open mic, and more. Hosts Terrance Morris and Jazzmyn Hannah will be mc'ing and directing the flow.

This event is free and open to the public, and drop-ins are welcome. ASL interpreter(s) will be provided. Maritime Heritage Park is wheelchair accessible, and Black Lives Matter Bellingham will be available for any questions or accommodation requests from the community.

For more information, please contact Jazzmyn Hannah or Terrance Morris at juneneteenthbellingham@gmail.com, 360-872-6091 (voicemail), or visit the Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/1807584439305155/. We hope to see you there!