The City of Tukwila’s First Annual Juneteenth Commemoration

In 2020 the Council adopted Resolution 1992, declaring that Juneteenth will be recognized every year in Tukwila.  It’s a celebration of emancipation and an opportunity to honor African Americans in our community through continued learning and understanding of the impacts of slavery.

This year the City of Tukwila hosted their first Juneteenth Commemoration, “Continued Learning – The History of Juneteenth: Past, Present and Future of African American history.” Scroll down to view video highlights from this year’s commemoration, or watch the full length event video at the bottom of the page. While this inaugural commemoration was virtual due to the pandemic, the City’s goal is to grow the Juneteenth Commemoration over time into an annual Tukwila community-wide event.


A History of Juneteenth

The Commemoration of Juneteenth is a nationally-celebrated event that takes place every year on June 19, known as “Juneteenth.”  Learning its history provides understanding of how this day came to be. Juan Padilla, City of Tukwila Human Resources Director, presents an overview of the history of Juneteenth that includes a special performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” from the Church by the Side of the Road Choir.


Growing and Farming in Tukwila: History Before Southcenter Mall

Before Southcenter Mall was developed, Tukwila was a farming community and many African American families were bused in from Seattle Central District to work on these farms. Wayne Perryman discusses the history of African Americans in Tukwila and describes what it was like working on the farms before Southcenter Mall.


Honoring Joe Duffie

Tukwila Councilmember De’Sean Quinn honors former Councilmember Joe Duffie, the first African American elected to office in Tukwila and one of the city’s greatest civic leaders.


Soul Food – A History of African American Cuisine

Trish Kinlow, City of Tukwila Court Administrator, discusses the history and cultural importance of African American cuisine and shows us how to cook two soul food classics – Smothered Cabbage and Succotash.


Honoring Tukwila Community Members

Nichelle Page presents the City of Tukwila’s Community Leadership Awards to Tukwila School District’s Marva Harris and Foster High School students Alexis Mburu and Jadon Crawford.


Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward

Praxis Essentials gives us an original spoken word and movement performance.


Watch the Full Length Juneteenth Event


Continued Learning – The History of Juneteenth Resources

Juneteenth Commemoration

National Resources

Washington State Resources

King County Resources

Stream These Documentaries

  • African American: Many Rivers to Cross
  • Forgotten Four: The Integration of Pro Football 
  • High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
  • Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train Comin’
  • 13th  
  • Venus and Serena  
  • The Loving Story

The City of Tukwila Presents – First Juneteenth Commemoration

In 2020 the Council adopted Resolution 1992, declaring that Juneteenth will be recognized every year in Tukwila.  It’s a celebration of emancipation and an opportunity to honor African Americans in our community through continued learning and understanding of the impacts of slavery.

This year the City of Tukwila is hosting their first Juneteenth Commemoration, “Continued Learning – The History of Juneteenth: Past, Present and Future of African American history.” Scroll down to view video highlights from this year’s commemoration, or watch the full length event video at the bottom of the page. While this inaugural commemoration is virtual due to the pandemic, the City’s goal is to grow the Juneteenth Commemoration over time into an annual Tukwila community-wide event.


A History of Juneteenth

The Commemoration of Juneteenth is a nationally-celebrated event that takes place every year on June 19, known as “Juneteenth.”  Learning its history provides understanding of how this day came to be. Juan Padilla, City of Tukwila Human Resources Director, presents an overview of the history of Juneteenth that includes a special performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” from the Church by the Side of the Road Choir.


Growing and Farming in Tukwila: History Before Southcenter Mall

Before Southcenter Mall was developed, Tukwila was a farming community and many African American families were bused in from Seattle Central District to work on these farms. Wayne Perryman discusses the history of African Americans in Tukwila and describes what it was like working on the farms before Southcenter Mall.


Honoring Joe Duffie

Tukwila Councilmember De’Sean Quinn honors former Councilmember Joe Duffie, the first African American elected to office in Tukwila and one of the city’s greatest civic leaders.


Soul Food – A History of African American Cuisine

Trish Kinlow, City of Tukwila Court Administrator, discusses the history and cultural importance of African American cuisine and shows us how to cook two soul food classics – Smothered Cabbage and Succotash.


Honoring Tukwila Community Members

Nichelle Page presents the City of Tukwila’s Community Leadership Awards to Tukwila School District’s Marva Harris and Foster High School students Alexis Mburu and Jadon Crawford.


Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward

Praxis Essentials gives us an original spoken word and movement performance.


Watch the Full Length Juneteenth Event


Continued Learning – The History of Juneteenth Resources

Juneteenth Commemoration

National Resources

Washington State Resources

King County Resources

Stream These Documentaries

  • African American: Many Rivers to Cross
  • Forgotten Four: The Integration of Pro Football 
  • High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
  • Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train Comin’
  • 13th  
  • Venus and Serena  
  • The Loving Story

2021 PNW Education & Workforce Summit

The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2021 PNW Education & Workforce Summit on Wednesday, April 28th. There are two separate events to attend. Attend both or just one AND all events are FREE!


11:30 AM — Panel discussion on education and career pathways that have high earning potential in South King County. The panel will include speakers from sectors such as aviation, maritime, technology, construction, healthcare, trade, and more.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM — Job Fair. Connect with employers looking for talent and employees looking for new opportunities.