JUNETEENTH PDX 2022

Celebrating Black Liberation

This Is Action.

#WeDoHeal

An Annual Celebration Of Black Liberation

During Juneteenth (June 19, 2022) join Black Resilience Fund and businesses across our region in commemorating the liberation of enslaved Black people in America — and in supporting thousands of our Black neighbors who are in urgent need of support and healing during today’s challenges.

Juneteenth—Holiday

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all enslaved peoples. It wasn't until June 19, 1865—two and and a half years later—enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they had been freed. There weren't many union soldiers in the State of Texas during the Civil War to echo President Lincoln's proclamation. It wasn't until Union Major General Gordon Granger landed on Galveston Island in 1865 to enforce the executive order stating all enslaved people were granted their full liberty and personhood that enslaved Texans were made aware of their freedom.

We acknowledge that the structural inequities of our community and country are rooted in the original enslavement of Black people. We also acknowledge that all freed Black people were promised 40 acres and a mule, but most never received these reparations. This is one of the many promises made to Black people that were broken.