Juneteenth, recognized for over 160 years, is a relatively new tradition in Portland, marking the 80th anniversary of its celebration in this city this year.
Although the holiday commemorates June 19, 1865—the day the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas—many Black Oregon residents only began to acknowledge it after 1945.
Clara Peoples, a shipyard worker who moved from Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Vanport, Oregon, in 1945, played a pivotal role in this shift.
Working at the Kaiser shipyards, she discovered that Juneteenth was largely unknown among Black residents in the region.
Determined to change this, Peoples introduced the holiday celebrations to her co-workers, initiating Portland’s first Juneteenth festivities.
In 1972, she helped establish the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration and, alongside Oregon’s first Black state senator, Avel Gordly, advocated for Juneteenth to become a statewide holiday, which was achieved in 2001.
Although Peoples passed away in 2015, her legacy continues to enrich the Juneteenth celebrations in Portland, reminding us that the memory of emancipation is a living history.
In honoring Peoples’ contributions, numerous events celebrating Juneteenth will take place across the metro area, showcasing a fusion of community spirit, art, and culture.
Among the highlights is the 4th Annual History of Black Drag in Portland by Black Drag PDX.
Taking place at McMenamins Kennedy School on Friday, June 13, this event will be a joyous intersection of Juneteenth and Pride, featuring local Black drag queens and vibrant performances.
For those interested in a more active celebration, the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo at Veterans Memorial Coliseum will offer exhilarating rodeo excitement, complete with food, line dancing, and music on Sunday, June 15.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Portland Art Museum on Thursday, June 19, for a special screening titled ‘Power of Place,’ featuring short films on Black identity, home, and community, followed by a discussion with the filmmakers and notable local curators.
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon, or MESO, will host its 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at the MESO Makers Market from 11 AM to 5 PM.
The day will be filled with live music, food and drinks, wine tasting with Stoney Wines, and a surprise performance by poet and author BuddWrites.
Another event to look forward to is the Black Liberation Juneteenth Ride, celebrating its 10th year.
Scheduled for June 19 at Irving Park, this bike ride aims to connect Black and Brown cyclists through an inviting loop route and is open to all ages and skill levels.
The Miracles Club will also host its Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration at their facility, bringing together the community for a barbecue, live music, vendors, guest speakers, and activities for children.
On Saturday, June 21, Portland’s largest Juneteenth celebration will kick off with the 53rd Annual Juneteenth Oregon Festival.
This year’s event will feature the Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade, which will march from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School to Lillis Albina Park.
Attendees can anticipate live performances from local artists, various vendors, raffles, and family-friendly activities, along with a beer and wine garden.
Another notable event is Bloom’s immersive fashion experience called ‘Dynasty IX: Crowned in Legacy,’ an event that highlights BIPOC designers and includes a marketplace, live spoken-word performances, a dance party, and exclusive swag.
Taking place at The Melody Event Center on Saturday, June 21, this event marks a vibrant revival after a five-year hiatus.
For those in Oregon City, the public library will host a Juneteenth celebration at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, featuring music, poetry, and a panel discussion engaging local historians and community leaders.
Lastly, residents of Lake Oswego are invited to partake in their own unique Juneteenth celebration to reflect on the significance of the day in a local context.
These events collectively honor Clara Peoples’ enduring impact, ensuring that the legacy of Juneteenth continues to thrive in Portland and beyond.
image source from：https://www.wweek.com/culture/2025/06/10/80-years-of-juneteenth-in-oregon/
