Juneteenth in Walla Walla celebrates unity and Black identity

On the Pepsi Stage at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds, DJ Nneek - The Musical Scientist kept the music going for Juneteenth attendees on Friday, June 19.

Juneteenth, recognized now as a federal holiday, originated in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1866. It commemorates the day one year earlier when President Abraham Lincoln's official communication was received that enslaved people were freed. The news arrived more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and slavery officially ended.

For DJ Nneek, celebrating Juneteenth is important especially in a predominantly white town like Walla Walla, where she has the opportunity to elevate Black identity, presence and culture to these spaces.

"It's my people. I want to provide to Black events. I've done DJ-ing for two years and it's a learning lesson," DJ Nneek said. "I know I'm doing it well when I see grooving and dancing."

Anthony Covert organized Juneteenth: Umoja & Community, a free event. This was the first time the celebration was held at the fairgrounds. Umoja references the first Kwanzaa principle, meaning unity in Swahili.

Covert said it was a beautiful scene to see people come out, participate and offer support.

"I was previously incarcerated," Covert said. "And it's so important to be able to find a place to fit in, celebrate freedom and build community."

The event included free food, local artists, the Washington State Lowrider Club with bikes and lowrider cars, the Donar Network with its famous seasoning salt, the Digital Heroes shop featuring Black comics, face painting, a water balloon game toss and fundraiser raffle.

While competing at the water balloon toss, Zara Hildreth, 11, said the celebration was really fun with the food and going around different stands.

"Juneteenth is important to celebrate that slavery ended," Hildreth said. "It makes me happy to see other Black people come and celebrate."

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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 10:08 PM.