In an official acknowledgment, Keith Wilson, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, has proclaimed June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth in the city. This proclamation recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating the resilience and contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
The proclamation begins by acknowledging the long-standing struggles faced by peoples of non-western European descent, highlighting the journey that began in 1492 when the first known Europeans arrived on this land. It notes that the system of indentured servitude in the United States evolved into the institution of slavery based on race, fundamentally transforming the workforce dynamics in the country.
A pivotal moment in this history was the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, which became effective on January 1, 1863. The proclamation declared the freedom of slaves in Confederate states, thereby allowing Black individuals to partake in the Civil War effort on behalf of the Union. The message of freedom reached the enslaved people of Galveston Bay, Texas, on June 19, 1865, marking a landmark moment in the emancipation movement.
The ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 6, 1865, brought an end to slavery and non-conditional servitude in the United States. Juneteenth is now commemorated as a significant day of celebration for the achievements of Black Americans, promoting cultural reflection and social action. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of this holiday as a moment for communities to evaluate progress and address ongoing challenges in achieving racial equity and justice.
It also encourages reflection on the complexities of past and present, urging individuals and communities to reshape the narrative surrounding the Black experience. The proclamation articulates a shift in perception, asserting the value, power, and majesty of the Black family and community, in defiance of longstanding negative stereotypes.
As the narrative is redefined, the proclamation affirms that Black resilience, brilliance, and power are integral to the identity of the Black diaspora. It calls upon all individuals to participate in this celebration of freedom from various forms of slavery, whether physical, mental, emotional, financial, ethical, or spiritual, illustrating the universal implications of these themes across different demographics.
In conjunction with this proclamation, the City of Portland invites residents to join in the annual Juneteenth Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The event features a rich itinerary of activities, beginning with the Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade, which runs from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The parade, set to start at King Park/School and proceed along a designated route, will culminate at Lillis-Albina Park. Community leaders such as Pastor Dennis Payne II and First Lady Debra Ingram Payne will serve as Grand Marshals for the occasion, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in honoring this historic day. Participants are encouraged to check in at King Park by 10:30 AM to ensure a timely start to the parade.
To facilitate attendance, a shuttle service will operate from the festival site to King Park, running from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Return shuttles will also be available after the parade to ensure attendees can easily access transportation back to King Park.
Following the parade at 12:00 PM, the festival will kick off at Lillis-Albina Park and continue until 7:00 PM. Attendees can look forward to a variety of festivities, including guest speakers, live music performances, vendors, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
The celebration serves to commemorate not only the historical significance of Juneteenth but also the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and recognition of the contributions made by Black Americans. As residents of Portland prepare to commemorate this important day, the city invites everyone to participate in honoring the legacy of freedom and resilience inherent in the Juneteenth celebration.
image source from：https://www.portland.gov/mayor/keith-wilson/news/2025/6/17/mayor-wilson-proclaims-june-19-2025-be-juneteenth
