With pandemic facemasks coming off and a year removed from last summer’s massive Black Lives Matter protests, the Juneteenth Freedom March crossed the Central District with calls Saturday for stronger support for Seattle’s Black communities. Sunday, the celebration and activism continues with a festival of Black businesses in Jimi Hendrix Park.
“Pay the fee,” was one theme of the day as organizers King County Equity Now and Africatown continue the push for Black ownership of property and businesses to return to the Central District. “The fight isn’t over,” another sign read.
#JuneTeenth2021 March starts down 23rd in #Seattle pic.twitter.com/ZUIgxM6kU2
— Alex Garland (@AGarlandPhoto) June 19, 2021
— Alex Garland (@AGarlandPhoto) June 19, 2021
At 23rd and Jackson, Jackson’s Catfish Corner marked its grand opening with a celebration and ribbon cutting. CHS reported here on Terrell Jackson — grandson of original Catfish Corner founders Woodrow and Rosemary Jackson — bringing the business back to the CD as part of a small wave of new Black-owned ventures in the area.
Meanwhile, in Judkins Park, The Northwest African American Museum’s Juneteenth Week Jamboree included family celebrations — and roller skating.
Sunday, the Central District’s Juneteenth weekend continues with a Black business “mixer and day party” in Jimi Hendrix Park starting at 2 PM.
#juneteenth roller skate party in Seattle pic.twitter.com/UexqiX4NBg
— Nikki West (@Nikki__West) June 19, 2021
Grand opening of Jackson’s Catfish Corner! Major congratulations to everyone who made this happen. Growing up, Cathfish Corner and the MLK mural were the heart of the CD. Love to see it come back to its rightful place #D2SmallBiz #HappyJuneteenth pic.twitter.com/poN7kFFGD2
— Girmay Zahilay (@GirmayZahilay) June 19, 2021
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