On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day, now recognized as Juneteenth National Independence Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward equity and justice. 
A Local Commitment to Equity
In 2022, Snohomish County became the first in Washington State to officially fly the Juneteenth flag, and the County continues to do so, raising the flag again on June 18, 2025, and proclaiming June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day in Snohomish County. The proclamation encourages all residents to reflect on the injustices of American chattel slavery and commit to being unwavering allies to Black and African American community members.
The Snohomish County Health Department echoes this commitment by recognizing that health equity is not just a goal—it is foundational to public health. Health equity means that all people, regardless of race, income, ZIP code, or background, have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Achieving this requires recognizing and addressing the systemic and historical barriers that have created unequal access to care and resources, barriers that disproportionately affect Black and African American communities.
The department defines health equity as ensuring everyone has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to achieve their highest level of health and acknowledges that equity is not the same as equality. This means going beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and actively tailoring public health programs, services, and policies to meet the unique needs of each community. It also means investing in trusted relationships, community voice, and culturally responsive approaches that prioritize dignity, trust, and justice.
Pictured: Senator John Lovick speaking at the Snohomish County Juneteenth flag raising event on June 18, 2025.
Celebrating Juneteenth in Our Community
Juneteenth is celebrated throughout Snohomish County with events that honor African American culture, history, and resilience. These gatherings often include educational activities, music, food, and community discussions aimed at fostering understanding and unity.
For instance, past celebrations have featured flag-raising ceremonies, resource fairs, and speeches from community leaders and activists. Local organizations, including the NAACP Snohomish County Branch, have played pivotal roles in organizing these events, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in the pursuit of health equity.
Health Equity: A Continuing Journey
Juneteenth serves as a reminder that while the process of healing has begun, the legacy of systemic racism continues to impact health outcomes. In Snohomish County and across the country, disparities persist in areas such as healthcare access, chronic disease rates, maternal and infant health, behavioral health services, and exposure to environmental hazards. These disparities are shaped by the broader social determinants of health—like housing, education, employment, and transportation, which have long been influenced by discriminatory policies and underinvestment in communities of color. The Snohomish County Health Department is actively working to address these issues through initiatives focused on health literacy, community engagement, and policy advocacy.
The Snohomish County Health Department is committed to confronting these inequities head-on. Our efforts include improving health literacy, ensuring that health information is accessible and culturally relevant; expanding community engagement, by building authentic partnerships with organizations and leaders rooted in historically marginalized communities; and advocating for policies that remove structural barriers and prioritize equity in funding, services, and outcomes.
By acknowledging both the historical and present-day injustices faced by Black and African American communities, we strengthen our ability to design public health efforts that are responsive, respectful, and rooted in equity. This work is not about charity or symbolic gestures—it’s about ensuring that every resident of Snohomish County has the opportunity to live a long, healthy life, with dignity and access to care.
Moving Forward Together
As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a community where freedom, justice, and health equity are realities for everyone. Through continued education, community involvement, and systemic change, we can honor the legacy of Juneteenth and work towards a healthier, more equitable Snohomish County.
Thank you to Rabi Yunusa and John Agyapong, members of the Community Equity Advisory Board, for their contributions to this statement.