Thousands of Seattleites celebrated Juneteenth and lifted up community at events and festivals Thursday, even as national leaders attack diversity initiatives and Black history.

A variety of events are planned across Washington for Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

It may be that trying to undo a national holiday, particularly one as publicly embraced as Juneteenth, would be a harder sell than eliminating an office tucked inside a federal agency.

It will also feature live performances and food trucks.Runs from 3:30-9:30 pm both Fridays.Atlantic Street Center Juneteenth CelebrationWednesday, June 18Watch local performers, shop community vendors and sample regional food trucks at this event the night before Juneteenth.

Juneteenth celebrations took place across the U.S., commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their freedom. While long honored by Black Americans, the holiday has gained broader recognition since becoming a federal holiday in 2021 under President Joe Biden,

As towns and cities across the United States today celebrate the anniversary of the end of slavery on Juneteenth, see how communities have marked the federal holiday.