The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners proclaimed June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth Day in Multnomah County, continuing the annual recognition of the day when news of the abolition of slavery actually reached the westernmost slave state of Texas on June 19, 1865.
The news, brought to the state by Union soldiers nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, sparked celebrations across the state as it spread. While the Emancipation Proclamation officially granted freedom to enslaved people in confederate states in 1863, slave owners continued to defy the proclamation and enslave people until well after the Civil War ended in April 1865.
Speakers from Chair Jessica Vega Pederson’s Office, the Office of Diversity and Equity, and the Health Department — and a delegation from the Mr, & Miss Juneteenth Oregon program — spoke about the significance of the holiday and its impact on their lives.
Juneteenth honors and celebrates the end of slavery — not the day slavery technically ended as, speakers noted, “delayed emancipation was not caused by not-knowing; the culprit was lack of enforcement.”
In June 2020, Multnomah County was the first county in Oregon to declare Juneteenth an annual paid holiday for its employees, said Joy Fowler, Chief Diversity and Equity Officer, who opened the presentation.
“The day is for all of our employees to celebrate and learn about Black history — locally and nationally — to support Black writers, filmmakers and artists, patronize Black-owned businesses and honor the accomplishments of our Black colleagues.”
Over the years, the County has been intentional about building a diverse workforce in various roles at all levels, specifically with regard to Black and African American employees, said Fowler.
“Multnomah County does look different than it did 10 years ago, five years ago and definitely today. And while we understand these things, we also recognize that we have a long way to go,” she said.
“This day, also known as Freedom Day, allows us to reflect on where we come from, where we are today, and where we need to be.”
Lakeitha Elliott, a community engagement and policy advisor for the Chair’s Office, shared the concept of Sankofa, a Ghanian symbol that depicts a mythical bird with its head facing backward (looking at the past) and its feet facing forward (toward the future) while carrying an egg in its beak (representing children).
“It’s a reminder that we must reach back to our roots in order to move forward,” said Elliott. “We must reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us so we can achieve our full potential as we move forward.”
This year’s proclamation also honors Vanport resident Clara Peoples, the “Mother of Juneteenth” in Oregon — “a living, walking community servant,” Elliott said.
“In my neighborhood growing up, she was known as the ‘bread lady,’ delivering food and pastries to seniors and families. People would grab bread from her car,” said Elliott. “She is credited with establishing one of the first food banks in the nation.”
Peoples instilled a sense and spirit of public service in her family, who now host the Juneteenth Festival, the Clara Peoples’ Freedom Parade and the Mr. and Miss Juneteenth Program and Pageant, where participants receive “education (and) resources to help build resilience, gain confidence and make future life choices that are deeply rooted in their history and looking forward,” Elliott said.
The Mr. and Miss Juneteenth Program and Pageant, wrapped up just last week with young participants singing, dancing, reciting poetry and sharing other talents. Four participants spoke with the Board, sharing their favorite thing about Juneteenth. Princess Fletcher, who was crowned Ms. Juneteenth Oregon 2023, recited an original poem.
“Juneteenth to me is togetherness, being together with the same people who I can identify with,” said Fletcher.
“We have similar struggles to be able to come together and help each other and build each other up, especially with the pageant. It’s young Black women coming together to find their values, their love, especially in a place that they are not accepted all the time, and to push on in a place where we’re not seen at the top all the time,” she continued.
Another participant said one of her favorite parts of the program was “meeting new people and getting to know all of the different sides of what we’re supposed to do and the people I get to know and having fun with them."
“My favorite part of Juneteenth is not just being a holiday or a day to celebrate Black people: It’s more of a sisterhood and a family,” said another participant.
“My favorite thing about Juneteenth is meeting new people and learning new things,” said Lyric, one of the youngest speakers.
Chantell Reed, interim deputy director of the Health Department, delivered the proclamation, and the Board thanked the young speakers for sharing their remarkable talents and reflections.
“I look at you, and I’m so proud and I see our future,” said Commissioner Lori Stegmann.
“I see some future County commissioners here. For women, we’re often asked six or seven times before we run for office. I don’t think that’s the case for men. And especially for women of color, a lot of us don’t see ourselves. What Juneteenth does is this togetherness, and you’re united in a sisterhood.”
Commissioner Susheela Jayapal commended the speakers for their themes of sisterhood, pride and community.
“The chance to celebrate as we acknowledge the progress yet to be made is really important,” said Jayapal. “The themes I heard were sisterhood, I heard pride, I heard community — and that you got this.
“You clearly got this. We are so proud to have you here.”
Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards expressed her honor and pride in hosting the speakers at her first board meeting as commissioner for District 3.
“One of the most influential voices, whether it was the school board or legislature, was Senator Avel Gordly,” said Brim-Edwards. “I’m always a huge voice for justice and holding people accountable, and holding us accountable for what’s happened but also the actions we take.”
Chair Vega Pederson thanked all of the participants for sharing the meaning and values of Juneteenth.
“You have the power to step in and step up, and you’re already doing it,” said Vega Pederson.
“To me Juneteenth is about Black Power, Black Community, Black Joy coming together and that is such an amazing thing to have in our community. And how we can push forward community and achievement for our African American and Black community here.”