PORTLAND, Ore. — Gov. Kate Brown has proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth in Oregon and plans to introduce a bill in next year’s legislative session that would make the day, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, a state holiday.
The word Juneteenth is a combination of the month and date that the holiday is observed, on June 19. In 1865, two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the previously enslaved people of Texas were liberated on June 19. Texas was the westernmost slave state in the country at the time
“This year, celebrating Black freedom and achievement on Juneteenth is more important than ever as people across Oregon, the United States, and around the world protest systemic racism and unequivocally show that Black Lives Matter," said Brown.
“I know this is a small, yet important step. I encourage all Oregonians to join me in observing Juneteenth by getting educated on systemic racism in this country and getting involved in the fight for racial justice,” she said.
The City of Portland and Multnomah County have declared Juneteenth a holiday for its workers.
Below is a list of Juneteenth events taking place in Portland metro area Friday and Saturday:
- June 19: Black Lives Matter to Beaverton Juneteenth Rally and Unity March (more info)
- June 19: Juneteenth Celebration March @ Lake Oswego’s Millenium Park (more info)
- June 19: Self Enhancement, Inc. Presents Black Like Me Juneteenth Celebration (more info)
- June 19: Juneteenth Block Party @ Peninsula Park (more info)
- June 19: Celebration of Black Lives March with Brennan Scarlett (more info)
- June 19: Juneteenth Black Liberation Ride (more info)
- June 19: Portland Made Presents Make Peace PDX (more info)
- June 19: Big Yard Foundation's Juneteenth Celebration of Black Lives (more info)
- June 20: Jack London Revue Presents Juneteenth Oregon (more info)
