The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the historic moment when enslaved African Americans in the southern states achieved independence from those who had benefited from their forced labor in the establishment of this nation. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, heralding the end of the Civil War, proclaiming freedom for the enslaved, and enforcing President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation issued on January 1, 1863.
African Americans across the Southwest have continued the tradition of observing Juneteenth Independence Day for over 150 years. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth our newest Federal holiday – the first such designation since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
However, the celebration of Juneteenth in Oregon dates back to 1945. In Portland, an annual celebration featuring live music, educational exhibits, community resources, parades, art and culinary delights started in 1972.
Resources
Five ways to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth Independence Day:
- Listen. Learn more about Juneteenth from this podcast episode "On Juneteenth" from NPR and this "1619 Project" podcast episode from the New York Times.
- Read. Celebrate Black authors and learn about their experiences by reading books like "On Juneteenth" by Annette Gordon-Reed, "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson and "Stamped from the Beginning" by Ibram X. Kendi.
- Support Black-owned businesses and bookstores like Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts, Abbey Creek Vineyard & Winery and Deadstock Coffee.
- Participate. We need to understand our history and where we come from; however, there is still a long learning road ahead before racial justice and equity are a reality for our communities and students. Take action by volunteering with local organizations and volunteering with national organizations working on racial justice issues, including the Coalition of Communities of Color, Urban League of Portland and Color of Change.
- Learn. Take some time to learn more about the origins and evolution of the Juneteenth holiday since 1865 from BlackPast.
Local Events and Organizations:
Read the board resolution.
