On June 19, 1865, freedom finally reached the last enslaved Black people in Galveston Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. That day, now known as Juneteenth, became a living celebration of liberation, resilience, and black joy.
This year in Spokane, Juneteenth 2025 unfolded as a week of remembrance and celebration. Each event added its own thread to a growing local tradition. Amid these celebrations and new gathering emerged, “The Art Of Us,” an evening created to celebrate Black artistry, joy and connection.
“The Art Of Us” was a celebration of tradition deeply rooted in Black communities: Gathering in joy and resistance, grounded in the legacy of our ancestors who found ways to celebrate despite oppression.
The evening opened with a communal dance class, followed by a showcase of local performers who shared their gifts of song, dance, spoken word and comedy. Guests explored artist tables purchasing pieces directly from local artists, and shared what joy meant to them on the “Black Joy Is” – a wall filled with handwritten reflections and affirmations. From the shared laughter to the powerful performances the night invited the soul of Juneteenth celebrating freedom, resilience and creativity that thrives within our community. As the evening closed with a soul train line, dancing, and smiles all around, it was a reminder of the joy and connection that happens when we come together.
The Shades Of Motherhood played a pivotal role in bringing “The Art of Us” to life. As a Spokane based nonprofit, The Shades Of Motherhood provides culturally rooted maternal health support care and peer programs that center black mothers and families. Beyond their direct services the organization invests in events that nurture belonging, leadership and generational healing.
Their Sponsorship of “The Art Of Us” reflected their belief that cultural celebration and community care are deeply intertwined. As the Executive Director Stephanie Courtney shared:
“It’s about extending a legacy, to pick up where others left off, mend and heal what we can and break harmful cycles through community. We have to ask, how can we bring about real movement in people’s lives? One of the biggest pieces is the exchange of currency. Whether money or support, that allows leaders in Spokane to dream and activate their visions. Sponsorships mean nothing without genuine connection and partnership, whether short-term or long-term. True community work takes time: to know people, to learn about what they stand for, and to walk alongside them. When that happens, the community movement begins to rise. Leaders mobilize, the next generation of leaders is affirmed, and confidence is built. As that confidence grows the community responds in kind, belonging becomes visible, and people come home to themself and one another.”
For generations Black communities have expressed resilience through joy, art, creativity, using these gifts to share stories, honor history, and pass on strength. “The Art Of Us” embodied that spirit showing that freedom is remembered and actively lived when we gather, celebrate, and create together. Looking forward, events like this remind us that our culture, our voices, and our joy will continue to grow and flourish into the future as they always have.