Juneteenth becomes a holiday in parts of Oregon

(June 19, 2020) Juneteenth is an old celebration. However, it has become a popular new holiday in many places, including the city of Portland, Multnomah County and the state of Oregon, among others. These places want to recognize this important part of black American history.

Juneteenth comes from the mix of June and nineteenth (June 19). According to juneteenth.com, "Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached African Americans in Texas. The Emancipation Proclamation was an order two years earlier by President Lincoln during the U.S. Civil War. The order freed slaves in most southern states.

Portland and Multnomah County will make Juneteenth a holiday. The city order includes a formal apology. The city apologizes how the city has treated black people.

“When Oregon was founded as a state in 1859, its constitution explicitly banned Black people from visiting, living and owning property here,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “To this day, navigating life as a Black American in our city and country does not come with the same privileges experienced by others.”

Employees will have the day off to observe the holiday. Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury says she hopes county employees will celebrate the holiday but also educate themselves on the "unique and difficult experiences of black employees."

Many large companies like Nike and large institutions like Portland Community College will also begin to recognize Juneteenth as a regular holiday for their employees.