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Gary Payton Urges US Soccer Support at Seattle Juneteenth

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former NBA star Gary Payton delivered a Juneteenth message at Seattle Stadium, filmed at the African American Museum.
He explained that in 1865 250,000 enslaved Texans were told slavery ended and that first Freedom Day celebration occurred in Texas in 1866.
FIFA added Seattle landmarks such as Space Needle, showed a montage of history makers and the “Night Chapel” installation, and included Payton’s call to support U.S. men’s team against Australia.

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Story summary

Former NBA star Gary Payton delivered a Juneteenth message at Seattle Stadium, filmed at the African American Museum.
He explained that in 1865 250,000 enslaved Texans were told slavery ended and that first Freedom Day celebration occurred in Texas in 1866.
FIFA added Seattle landmarks such as Space Needle, showed a montage of history makers and the “Night Chapel” installation, and included Payton’s call to support U.S. men’s team against Australia.