Local Voices On May 20th, 2018: Portland Celebrates Juneteenth

Portland celebrates Juneteenth--commemorating the end of slavery. iHeartRadio Portland is a sponsor of the annual celebration, taking place this year on June 16th, and we interview Public Information Officer Heather Baker about details.

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of African American slaves. Juneteenth commemorates when U.S. soldiers brought word of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to Galveston, Texas, two years after it was issued. It is the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. In Oregon, Juneteenth OR Celebration was founded 45 years ago by the late and beloved community leader Clara Peoples. The celebration starts with a parade, followed by the festivities which include live music, a pageant, art, food, educational booths, cultural booths, and a children’s play area.

The Juneteenth OR Festival is a free, family-friendly, rain or shine event held on June 16th, 2018 from 12pm to 6pm and will feature local musicians, great food vendors and organizations. The Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade will be held at 11am starting at Safeway on MLK and Ainsworth, going south down MLK to Russell, turning left and ending at the Legacy Emanuel Hospital Field located at N. Russell and N. Vancouver/Williams. 

Visit juneteenthor.com for the latest information.