Recognizing Juneteenth
On Thursday, June 19, we recognize Juneteenth—a celebration of the freedom of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It’s a time to gather in community, reflect on our nation’s long and unfinished journey towards equity, and reaffirm our shared commitment to justice.
As part of this year’s reflection, Transit Facilities Division Director Adé Franklin shares what Juneteenth means to him, how it shapes his leadership, and why it matters to the work we do every day at Metro. Following his foreword are reflections from a few Metro colleagues on what Juneteenth means to them and how it connects to the ongoing journey of Black liberation, resilience, and the pursuit of justice and joy.
“As a leader at Metro, Juneteenth holds deep meaning for me—not only as a historical milestone, but also as a call to ongoing reflection, equity, and action.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865—the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the last enslaved African Americans, more than two years after the proclamation was signed. This delayed promise of liberty reminds us of the painful gaps between law and justice, freedom and access, words and lived experience. That history continues to shape the challenges we face today.
Public transportation is about more than moving people—it’s about connecting communities to opportunity, education, and employment. For generations, Black Americans and other marginalized communities have faced systemic barriers to mobility, from redlining to disinvestment in infrastructure. Juneteenth challenges us, as a public agency, to ensure that equity is not just an aspirational value but a tangible commitment—embedded into every route we plan, every policy we write, and each community we serve. Taking time to reflect on this day is one way we honor the past, acknowledge the present, and reaffirm our responsibility to build a more inclusive and just future.
For me, Juneteenth is also deeply personal. My family’s roots run deep in Texas, especially around the Houston area—not far from where Juneteenth began. Through census records, I discovered that some of my direct ancestors were enslaved. Seeing my great-great-grandfather’s name listed in those records was a profound and emotional experience. Though I’d known the history through oral stories, seeing it in writing made it even more real. That moment gave Juneteenth a deeper meaning—it’s not just history, it’s my history.
Each year, Juneteenth becomes a tapestry of memory and celebration—filled with family, food, music, conversation, learning, and joy. It’s a day of storytelling and remembrance, of honoring both struggle and the enduring journey toward liberation.
At Metro, I see us walking that journey in meaningful ways. We are intentionally investing in communities where the need is greatest. Our response to the Black Women’s Report is one example of how we’re acknowledging disparities and taking action. We are making space for underrepresented voices and ensuring our decisions reflect the lived experiences of the people we serve.
In many ways, this work echoes the spirit of Juneteenth. It reminds us that while progress may be slow and hard-won, it is real—and it is our responsibility to keep moving forward with purpose, compassion, and a clear-eyed commitment to justice.
As we recognize Juneteenth together this year, I invite each of us to pause, reflect, and recommit. It reminds us that the path to liberation is not linear—it’s shaped by courage, determination, and collective will. And it’s a reminder that each of us has a role to play in building the future we envision.
Whether you’re planning a route, maintaining infrastructure, supporting riders, or working behind the scenes—your work matters. It connects people. It uplifts communities. It carries forward the spirit of Juneteenth. Let’s carry that responsibility with pride, purpose, and the shared belief that a more just and inclusive future is within our reach—together.”
Employee reflections on Juneteenth
In their own words, below are reflections from some of our Metro colleagues sharing their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives in honor of Juneteenth.
What does Juneteenth mean to you? How has that changed over time?
“Born in 1961, I witnessed and felt the struggle of my people during the civil rights movement firsthand. To me, Juneteenth represents both a celebration and a solemn remembrance, a day of triumph over slavery, but also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for true freedom and equity. Over the years, my understanding of Juneteenth has deepened from simply recognizing the day as the end of slavery in Texas, to embracing it as a symbol of Black resilience, joy through resistance, and the collective pursuit of justice. Today, it’s a powerful affirmation of Black identity, cultural pride, and solidarity.”
– Stephanie Richardson (she/her), Transit Administrative Support Specialist III, Vehicle Maintenance Division
“Juneteenth represents a jubilee of life and the enduring freedom to exist for African American and Black people across the United States. It is a reminder that we can be, do, live, and thrive—even within systems that were never designed for us to succeed. It means that we, like the rose that grew from concrete, continue to rise. Over time, the meaning of Juneteenth has expanded—not because its truth has changed, but because more people are becoming aware of it. Awareness is powerful. With it comes the responsibility to honor this legacy and to continue pressing forward.”
– Onna Giddens (she/her), Electronic Technician, Vehicle Maintenance Division
“I would say Juneteenth, to me, represents the first steps toward my people being free—and the beginning of a journey toward being treated as equals, not just as three-fifths of a human being. Over time, it has come to mean not only that, but also a time for us to come together, celebrate each other, and take pride in who we are and what we’ve survived.”
– Martha Daniels (she/her), Transit Operator, Bus Operations Division
“Juneteenth, for me, is a time of reflect. It’s a time to consider the past struggles of Black people and realize where we are today. I went to my first Juneteenth celebration when I was a kid, and I learned about it a long time ago. My lived experiences, from then on, has caused me to grow a deeper understanding and appreciation for it.”
– Gary Hunter (he/him), Program/Project Manager I, Rail Division
How do you or your community celebrate Juneteenth?
“Whether I’m out in the community—like at the Juneteenth celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park in Seattle—or taking time to educate others and embrace my culture, or even just staying home to breathe and rest, I celebrate by being unapologetically Black and beautiful.”
– Martha Daniels (she/her), Transit Operator, Bus Operations Division
“Growing up we’ve always celebrated Juneteenth. We would either have a BBQ at home or we attend a large community gathering. Most Juneteenth celebrations within the Black community are full scale events filled with music, food, and entertainment. Going to a Juneteenth event has always been unifying and you leave feeling a sense of pride.”
– Gary Hunter (he/him), Program/Project Manager I, Rail Division
“I celebrate Juneteenth by existing, by growing, and by trailblazing paths for others. My community celebrates with joy—through festivals, music, laughter, and economic empowerment—by intentionally spending our dollars in Black-owned spaces and planting more seeds of possibility in this concrete system.”
– Onna Giddens (she/her), Electronic Technician, Vehicle Maintenance Division
“We celebrate Juneteenth through gatherings filled with culture, reflection, storytelling, spiritual connection, solace, tears, deep emotions, gratitude, food, music, dancing—and the joy of hope for the future. It’s a time to honor our ancestors’ sacrifices, reflect on our lived experiences, and uplift our shared hopes for what’s ahead.”
– Stephanie Richardson (she/her), Transit Administrative Support Specialist III, Vehicle Maintenance Division
How does your work at Metro reflect Juneteenth’s values or support justice, equity, or community?
“At King County, I’m proud to see our value of “We are racially just” in action. It aligns deeply with the spirit of Juneteenth and our shared responsibility to confront racism and build equity. Juneteenth reminds me: we are the proof of resilience—and we are still rising.”
– Onna Giddens (she/her), Electronic Technician, Vehicle Maintenance Division
“At Metro, I’m proud to help lead the Vehicle Maintenance Community Connection (VMCC)—a space where women and gender-diverse employees in VM can grow, connect, and thrive. Rooted in equity and inclusion, VMCC reflects the spirit of Juneteenth by uplifting voices, building community, and supporting each other’s success.”
– Stephanie Richardson (she/her), Transit Administrative Support Specialist III, Vehicle Maintenance Division
“In my current role as a program manager, I have the privilege and honor of hosting the Rail Division’s first-ever Juneteenth Celebration. While Juneteenth has a long history of being celebrated—mostly unofficially—it’s still new as a federal holiday, and many people aren’t familiar with it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness and help others understand just how important Juneteenth is. It’s an incredible honor, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with my division.”
– Gary Hunter (he/him), Program/Project Manager I, Rail Division
“As a transit operator, I uphold the values of Juneteenth by staying in constant remembrance—paying homage and recognition to the surviving spirit. The Black Caucus makes it wonderful and easy to have open discussions and celebrate the many sacrifices of enslaved Black Americans. It’s a great community to be part of.”
– Martha Daniels (she/her), Transit Operator, Bus Operations Division
Coming events
This Juneteenth, we hope you will find ways to celebrate the progress we’ve made and recognize the work still ahead of us. Below are a few upcoming events where you can learn, listen, and find ways to connect with others.
- Atlantic Street 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 18, from 5 – 8 p.m., at the Rainier Beach Community Center (8825 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle).
- Summer of Soul Juneteenth Festival on June 19, from noon – 8 p.m., at Jimi Hendrix Park (2400 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle).
- For more events across King County, check out this list from Seattle’s Child.
In community and celebration,
Metro’s Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging team