Last Saturday, I had the great opportunity to join community members at Legacy Emanuel for our annual Juneteenth Celebration!

Although our nation celebrates July 4th as Independence Day, not everyone was able to partake in the freedom laid out in the Declaration of Independence. Even after the emancipation Proclamation slaves were kept by some in defiance. On June 19, 1865, Major Gordon Granger read General Order Number 3 in Galveston, Texas containing the words "all slaves are free." Juneteenth Dependence Day commemorates that important day in our history. 

In Portland, we have a forty-five year tradition of celebrating Juneteenth because of the incredible work by community leaders like, Clara Peoples! Through her work and advocacy our community can carry on her legacy of recognizing the importance of inclusion. 

To learn more about Juneteenth in Portland, visit Juneteenth Oregon's website at www.juneteenthor.com

Juneteenth Proclamation in Portland

Oregon Juneteenth parade and celebration kicks off in Portland by Mark Graves, The Oregonian