Beyond Black CDC will host a Juneteenth celebration in Gresham on June 19 to honor the historical significance of Juneteenth for Gresham residents.
The event will take place at Vance Park, 1400 SE 182nd Avenue, on June 19 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Beyond Black is a community development corporation that aims to strengthen the African American and Black community in the Rockwood neighborhood.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating when slavery was abolished throughout the entire United States. The local celebration has traditionally been held in northeast Portland, but with many former residents of north and northeast Portland being pushed further east, Beyond Black CDC hopes to offer an alternative Juneteenth celebration to better accommodate the people of Gresham.
“Juneteenth means a lot to the community. We’re celebrating the freedom of black people during that period and also acknowledging how people are getting more opportunities in the city of Gresham after dealing with historic racism for years,” said Germaine Flentroy, Beyond Black CDC board member. “We hope that we can change the future of Black people in East County, and this event will be a big part in doing so, we want to use our past to create a brighter future.”
Beyond Black will receive support from the City of Gresham, Multnomah County-REACH, PAAL, and many other culturally specific groups.
Beyond Black CDC invites the entire Gresham and East County community to join them for the festivities, as there will be live entertainment, fireworks, food, educational and cultural booths, and more.
The Multnomah County Health Department’s-REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Multnomah County to improve health in Black/African American communities) will host a lactation station where mothers will have a designated area to breastfeed their children and get information on resources the county offers for women who are breastfeeding. The purpose behind this will be to provide a space in a culturally-specific environment where women can be supported with breastfeeding and get access to information and resources.
There will also be booths run by the Multnomah County Library, Multnomah County’s Healthy Birth Initiative program, and more.
“Our team at Multnomah County-REACH is excited about having the chance to support Gresham’s inaugural Juneteenth Celebration. This will be a huge moment for the city to recognize and honor the national and local history of Juneteenth and acknowledge the delayed justice and fight for freedom of African-Americans,” said Charlene McGee, REACH Program Manager, Multnomah County Public Health. “We recognize the preservation of culture and history as powerful means for preserving health, cultivating community and fostering the spirit of freedom, hope and aspiration for our community.”
