Juneteenth is a yearly celebration hallmarking freedom of slaves in Texas, several years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The legacy of Juneteenth is symbolic as it also opened the door for the long struggle of African Americans to be respected as equals in society. Now in 2021, 156 years after the first Juneteenth, we see more African American leaders stepping up to help shape our world. Join SEPAC for our first Juneteenth Kick-Off virtual event, "New Leaders, New Table".

There will be a presentation about how Snohomish County's first African American-centered political action committee, SEPAC, owes its existence to the legacy of Juneteenth and the African American community leaders that started it. You will hear from SEPAC's leadership Dr. Janice Greene and Ben Young and SEPAC's 2021 Endorsed Candidates Demi Chatters, Alicia Crank, Brandy Donaghy, Clarence Shaw, and Louis Harris. You will also hear from SEPAC's 2020 endorsed candidates and elected representatives of the 44th Legislative District, April Berg and John Lovick!

This Juneteenth Kick-Off is part of a county-wide month-long Juneteenth celebration in collaboration with other organizations hosting Juneteenth events. SEPAC and all of the candidates welcome donations from the public to ensure that African American candidates continue to get the support they need to make a difference in Snohomish County. Donations can be made directly to SEPAC at www.snoebonypac.com/donate or each candidate's websites listed below:

Demi Chatters (Candidate for Everett City Council District 5) - https://www.votefordemi.com/

Alicia Crank (Candidate for Edmonds City Council Position 1) - https://www.alicia4edmonds.com/

Brandy Donaghy (Candidate for Snohomish County Council District 5) - http://www.brandyforcouncil.com/

Clarence Shaw (Candidate for Marysville School Board Position 4) - [email protected]

Louis Harris (Candidate for Mukilteo City Council Position 1) - https://www.electlouisharris.com