PORTLAND, Ore. — This year, there are a plethora of opportunities around the Portland metro area to celebrate and reflect on Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The name stems from combining the words, nineteenth and June together.
Juneteenth is federally recognized as a holiday in specific states. Currently, 28 states honor and recognize the holiday, including Oregon. Oregon first observed the holiday in 2001, and recognized Juneteenth as a permanent holiday in 2022.
Here are some events that are committed to honoring and celebrating the significance behind the holiday:
When: June 19, Woodlawn neighborhood at 10 a.m., King neighborhood 12:15 p.m.
Where: Northeast Portland
What's going on: Portland nonprofit Word is Bond is celebrating Juneteenth with two special youth led walking tours from its "In My Shoes" storytelling series. The tours will include original poetry, music, and discussions on visions for the city. While celebrating Black culture and the history of Portland. There will be two tours on Juneteenth, one in Portland's Woodlawn neighborhood at 10 a.m. and another in Portland's King neighborhood at 12:15 p.m.. Anyone interested in participating can register ahead of the tours here.
When: June 19th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 Southeast 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR
What's going on: In celebration of Juneteenth, the Leach Botanical Garden in Southeast Portland will be having free admissions for all visitors. This is a way to provide a space to celebrate, observe and reflect on Juneteenth.
When: June 16, Doors open at 3 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 North Ramsay Way, Portland, OR
What's going on: The event was the first known event of its kind in Portland, hosting its successful inaugural event last summer. The rodeo is back for its second year and is already sold out.
Get ready to saddle up and enjoy live musical acts, thrilling rodeo action, gut-busting comedy, local vendors, food and animals. Watch top-notch athletes from across the country showcase their skills and athleticism through events like bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing.
Doors open at 3 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 7 p.m. Although tickets are available via third party, organizers are encouraging people to attend Juneteenth events and rodeo event across the city instead.
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When: June 15, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What's going on: Oregon's Juneteenth Celebration was founded by community leader Clara Peoples. In 1945, she introduced the tradition from Muskogee, Oklahoma, to her co-workers after learning of the culture shock that the Juneteenth holiday was unfamiliar in this part of the country. The event lasts all day Saturday and features family-friendly activities such as a parade, festival, performances, food and vendors.
When: June 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Ball-Michel Park, 9781 Southeast Stanley Avenue, Milwaukie, OR
What's going on: The city of Milwaukie will be honoring and celebrating the Juneteenth holiday hosting their fourth annual outdoor celebration filled with music, vendors face painting, kids games and more. Vendors include DesignsByLe'yon, Janique Crenshaw Illustration, T & C Delights, Sumner Street Shea, Cezzies Chews, Earthie Candles & Essentials, Drip Candle Goods, Sister Products, Bloodlink Mobile Laboratory Services and Z-Aseelah Natural Skincare.
When: June 15, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What's going on: The Oregon City Public Library will be commemorating and celebrating the Juneteenth holiday hosting their outdoor celebration filled with music, poetry, vendors and learning. There will be free food and giveaways.
When: June 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What's going on: The event is free for all ages, and it's being put on by Odyssey World International Educational Services and community sponsors. There will be live music, traditional games and food. Performes include LaRhonda Steel, the first lady of Portland blues, and JuJuba with Dance with JuJuba. There will be a photo booth and an interactive history of Juneteenth display.
When: June 15, Meet at 10 a.m., Ride at 10:30 a.m.
What's going on: Shift2Bikes is a nonprofit organization based in Portland promoting community led, inclusive bike fun — since 2003. The nonprofit will be putting on their ninth annual "Black Liberation Ride," which is in observance of Juneteenth. The ride is open to all rider levels and is centered around the Black and brown community. The ride will start at Irving Park and finish at Lillis Albina Park for the Juneteenth Oregon Celebration.
When: June 15, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Cook Family Park, 17005 Southwest 92nd Avenue, Tigard, OR
What's going on: The city of Tigard in partnership with the Tigard-Tualatin School District are hosting their third annual Juneteenth celebration, rain or shine! There will be free food from Eleni's Kitchen and Ezell's Famous Chicken, with cupcakes from KC's Sweets & Treats. Grammy-nominated local reggae superstar Aaron Nigel Smith will perform with upbeat afrobeat sounds from popular Portland DJ DJ Solo. There will also be performances from local dance groups, free books and activities and lawn games.