Community comes together for third annual Juneteenth Kickoff in Marysville

An inspirational, family-friendly event will launch this year’s Juneteenth events in Marysville.

Hosted by Change the Narrative and Pitch Black Entertainment, the Juneteenth Kickoff on June 10th is a community-focused day that’s the perfect prelude to the main events to follow for June 19.

“Juneteenth is a very important day for the Black community – a celebration of Black heritage and culture,” says Kendra Montgomery, owner of Pitch Black Entertainment. “It’s an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate how far we’ve come as a people, while honoring and remembering those who came before us and the oppression that they faced and overcame for us.”

The Juneteenth Kickoff will include local black owned businesses as vendors, performances from local artists and music by DJ Rojito and DJ Streets and artists like Yolanda Galery. Chances are you’ve seen Yolanda’s work before in local cafés – she currently has shows at Maize & Barley in Edmonds, Mixed Coffee and Community in Mill Creek and Wayward Vegan in Seattle.

“Juneteenth symbolizes a freedom that those before us fought for and that we continue to fight for today,” Yolanda says. “It gives us an outlet to amplify our voices and celebrate our community.”

Working primarily in acrylic, Yolanda’s work often features popular black icons. She also takes inspiration from the beauty of black hair, in the hope of inspiring others to take pride in their hair and see the beauty in its versatility. She’s currently working on two brand new pieces that will be unveiled at the Juneteenth Kickoff that feature American writer James Baldwin and American actor Billy Porter.

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A post shared by Visual Artist Yolanda Galery (@yolanda_galery_art)

This year’s event marks Change the Narrative’s third year co-hosting this special Juneteenth Kick off event for the Snohomish County community.

Beyond Juneteenth, Change The Narrative also assists with the organization of other well-known community events, including the recent MLK March and Rally and the coming Nubian Jam on July 29.

“Change the Narrative hosts a Juneteenth Kickoff to raise awareness around the Juneteenth holiday by celebrating black culture and encouraging community engagement from all to participate, experience and support the celebration of liberation for black Americans,” says Michael Adams, Change The Narrative Founder and Executive Director.

“The goal is to highlight the diversity among the black community through talent, skill, leadership, and more. While displaying the wide array of ability for black excellence through the past, present and future. Our hope is that people who identify as allies to the black community, take this opportunity to share in celebration and support through action.”

Mark your calendars:

The Juneteenth Kickoff runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 10 at Asbery Field in Marysville (449-499 Alder Ave.)

Find Pitch Black Entertainment on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok where they’ll be sharing more details about the event closer to the date. Learn more about Change the Narrative here and on Facebook.

Event Details.

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