Celebrating Juneteenth with Beyond Black
J//
On June 19, 1865, some of the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, TX, learned they were free—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation made slavery unconstitutional. One-hundred and fifty-five years later, Black Oregonians and others across the country continue to honor the occasion known as Freedom Day, Liberation Day or Juneteenth. Last month the Oregon legislature voted to declare Juneteenth a state holiday, beginning in 2022.
This June 19th, Beyond Black will host a Juneteenth celebration at Vance Park (1400 SE 182nd) in Gresham from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wallace is proud to be a sponsor of this event. Activities include a series of walks and bike rides through North and East Portland over the course of the day, and the launch of Beyond Black’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) marketplace at Vance Park.
Juneteenth offers us all a special day to reflect and remember, to recommit ourselves to positive progress, and to strengthen ties with each other. We thank Beyond Black for its leadership in bringing our community together for this important and meaningful celebration.
The Juneteenth event is just one of the many ways Beyond Black serves Black Oregonians across Multnomah County. The non-profit organization provides a range of critical services such as cultural education, rent and utility assistance, mental health services, nutrition and wellness resources, and professional development opportunities for individuals and small businesses.
Wallace is grateful for Beyond Black’s important partnership in serving our community. Please join us in supporting—and enjoying—this Juneteenth celebration.
