Juneteenth is coming up on Wednesday, June 19 — and before the federal holiday is here, the Rose City is hosting a variety of events to engage the community and commemorate the legacy of emancipation.
Here’s a look at the events on the docket.
Saturday, June 15
- Juneteenth Oregon Parade & Festival | Saturday, June 15 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Lillis Albina Park, North Russell Street and Flint Avenue, Portland | Free | A parade kicks off this local event founded by community leader Clara Peoples in 1945, followed by food, music, vendors, kids activities, and learning opportunities.
- Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration | Saturday, June 15 | 3-6 p.m. | Cook Family Park, 17005 SW 92nd Ave., Tigard | Free | Enjoy food from Eleni’s Kitchen, Ezell’s Famous Chicken, and KC’s Sweets & Treats, plus performances by local dance groups and Grammy-nominated local reggae superstar Aaron Nigel Smith.
Wednesday, June 19
- Juneteenth In My Shoes 2024: Woodlawn Walking Tour | Wednesday, June 19 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Black Rose Market, 6732 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland | $0-$25 | Follow Word is Bond ambassador Jahad on a walk through the Woodlawn neighborhood, learning about his childhood and dreams, Juneteenth, and excerpts from historic speeches.
- Juneteenth In My Shoes 2024: King Neighborhood Walking Tour | Wednesday, June 19 | 12:15-1:30 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, 4906 NE Sixth Ave., Portland | Free | Learn about the historically Black neighborhood’s past and present on this journey led by Mycah, a Word Is Bond ambassador who grew up in the King neighborhood.
- Juneteenth Celebration with Pre-Show Music by VNPRT | Wednesday, June 19 | 6:30-7:15 p.m. | Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland | Free | Browse booths from local, Black-owned businesses and and listen to a DJ set by Portland-based producer VNPRT before a ticketed performance of “Clyde’s.”
Get involved
Here are a few organizations and community resources devoted to honoring and celebrating our local Black community:
- KairosPDX | Program ambassadors work to break down structural racism through policy advocacy, professional development services and hands-on learning at the flagship community school and through family engagement programs.
- Urban League of Portland | Make a positive impact in the Black community by pledging your time to one of Oregon’s oldest civil rights and social service organizations focused on housing, health, education, and jobs.
- Wild Diversity | Connect BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities with the outdoors through adventures, education, and workshops.
- Word is Bond | Eligible people can apply to mentor young Black men in Portland who “need the support of strong Black male figures in their lives.” Responsibilities can include academic and job search support, social activities and outings, goal setting, and problem solving.
