Clara Peoples, founder of Portland's Juneteenth celebrations

Juneteenth Celebrations and Remembrances in Oregon

Juneteenth celebrates both the end of slavery in the United States and the contributions Black Americans have made to our country. 
 
Less than three weeks ago, the Oregon Senate unanimously voted to make Juneteenth an official state holiday, and yesterday, President Biden signed legislation declaring it a federal holiday.
 
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in September of 1862, slavery continued in the State of Texas until June 19, 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger publicly stated:
 
"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor."
 
The first Juneteenth celebrations were held in Texas on June 19, 1866, in celebration of the anniversary of the end of slavery in that state. In Oregon, Juneteenth celebrations began at the Kaiser Shipyards in 1945, thanks to the efforts of Clara Peoples. In 1972, Ms. Peoples helped establish citywide celebrations in Portland, which continue today. This year's Portland event includes live performances by Parisalexa, Sarah Clarke, Amenta Abioto, Cool Nutz w/DJ Fatboy, Libretto, Donna Jones & The Delegation, DJ O.G.ONE andTamia Mitchell; as well as appearances by Governor Kate Brown and Senator Jeff Merkeley.
 
Juneteenth observations are not exclusive to Portland, however. Events happening elsewhere in the state include a freedom march with dancing and educational events held in Bend, a Take Back the Butte event at Pilot Butte State Park, and a historical marker dedication in Coos Bay in acknowlegement of the murder of Alonzo Tucker, Oregon's only documented Black lynching. Speaking at this dedication will be representatives of Oregon Black Pioneers, the Oregon Remembrance Project, the Portland NAACP and the mayors of Coos Bay and North Bend
 
To quote Oregon State Senator President Lew Frederick "Black Oregonians have made long-lasting contributions to Oregon’s history and cultural legacy that have led us to this moment, and I thank them for their work. Happy Juneteenth to all!"