BY SUZY STUMP for WEEKLY VOLCANO 6/13/25 |
This year, Juneteenth in Tacoma is more than just a celebration—it’s a homecoming, a resource hub, and a joyful gathering of neighbors. On June 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stewart Heights Park will be transformed into a vibrant festival space filled with music, laughter, connection, and opportunity. At the heart of it all is JD Davis, founder of WayOut Kids and the driving force behind this dynamic event.
“To me, Juneteenth means freedom,” Davis shared in a recent interview. “But we also believe that true freedom includes economic freedom. That’s why our theme is A Road to Economic Freedom. We want to make sure the entire community has access to tools, services, and opportunities that help them thrive.”
Davis and his team aren’t just planning a party—they’re creating a space where celebration meets support. While festivalgoers enjoy gospel and R&B performances from headliners like Fred Hammond, Crystal Aikin, and Soul for Real, they’ll also find essential resources from groups like MultiCare, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Tacoma Housing Authority.
“There’s something for everyone,” Davis said. “We’ve got incredible music, vendors selling handmade goods, food, a kids’ zone—but we also have booths for people who need help with housing, healthcare, or employment. You can come out, have fun, and leave with something that might really make a difference in your life.”
The festival’s entertainment lineup is packed with talent that brings both national star power and local pride. Gospel legend Fred Hammond and Tacoma-born powerhouse Crystal Aikin will headline the Praise Break portion of the day, while R&B fans can look forward to a performance by ’90s icons Soul for Real. Other featured performers include Rontrell Brimmer, R3fresh, C-$tutta, Krusal, and Lega’C Jones.
“We’re really excited to have these artists here,” Davis said. “People are buzzing about Soul for Real, but I think seeing Crystal Aikin return home is going to be a special moment for Tacoma.”
The festival is hosted by community favorites C. Ivan Johnson, Ya Girl Ness, and Mr. Nyice Guy—bringing plenty of personality and energy to the mic.
What sets Tacoma’s Juneteenth celebration apart from other summer festivals is its mission to empower. The event was designed intentionally as a community service, supported by organizations that share Davis’s vision for equity and access.
“Juneteenth is free for everyone,” Davis emphasized. “We wanted to remove all barriers to access, especially for communities on the Eastside of Tacoma who often have fewer city events like this.”
Stewart Heights Park, the event’s venue, was selected as part of a city-wide equity initiative. According to Davis, the park was chosen through a participatory budgeting process in partnership with the City of Tacoma and Tacoma Parks, based on feedback from Eastside residents who wanted more investment and activities in their neighborhood.
“The Eastside has fewer resources,” Davis said, “and this was about changing that.”
Davis’s nonprofit, WayOut Kids, has deep roots in youth development and community engagement. “We work with schools and run summer camps, teaching kids to make good decisions and use their voice through music, media, and education,” he explained. “Juneteenth is just one of our community events.”
Another is TechUp Tacoma, a summit introducing youth to emerging tech like artificial intelligence—showing the scope of what WayOut Kids is bringing to Tacoma beyond just one event.
Davis also emphasized that there will be more food vendors than ever so there will be something delicious for everyone. He mentioned that in the past the food vendors would run out of food early because they were so popular at this event. Attendees are advised to get in line early.
The success of Tacoma’s Juneteenth event wouldn’t be possible without a long list of dedicated sponsors and partners. The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Local 443 is this year’s title sponsor, with additional support from Tacoma Creates, the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Black Fund, MultiCare, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health/St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Parks Tacoma, and Innovative Change Makers.
This is the third year Davis and WayOut Kids have led the Juneteenth celebration at Stewart Heights Park, but they’re building on decades of community involvement.
“There were other Juneteenth events before ours,” Davis said, “but this version is about unity—bringing everything together into one space where we can celebrate and uplift one another.”
For newcomers and longtime residents alike, Davis hopes the event feels like “one big happy family.”
“Come out and see the joy. You’ll see smiles, people supporting each other, kids having fun—and maybe find a resource or connection you didn’t expect.”
For full details, performance schedule, and shuttle registration, visit JuneteenthWA.com.
Event Details:
Juneteenth Celebration – A Road to Economic Freedom
Date: Thursday, June 19
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Stewart Heights Park, 5715 Reginald Gutierrez Lane, Tacoma, WA 98404
Admission: Free
