The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, June 4, celebrated its monthly Proclamation Day by approving four proclamations.
Men’s Health Month
The Board proclaimed June 2025 as Men’s Health Month in Multnomah County. The proclamation was sponsored by Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon.
The proclamation highlighted challenges many men experience with mental health, sexual health, loneliness, and isolation. Jones-Dixon was inspired to bring forward the proclamation because, he said, many men struggle in silence. A stigma and a culture for men to “tough it out” means men’s health issues often go unnoticed.
“Reading through this proclamation made me pause and reflect on myself, my grandfathers, my mentors, and my son,” Commissioner Jones-Dixon said. “We can do better, and we should be doing better.”
By embracing preventive health and culturally meaningful health practices, men can take control of their well-being, live longer, and be more active, supportive family members. Health screenings are a powerful step towards a healthier future.
In honor of Men's Health Month, and recognizing the vital importance of holistic health, Multnomah County’s ACHIEVE Coalition will host a community conversation during the month of June. A panel of men will share their personal health stories to break stigma, uplift mental wellness, and foster open dialogue about the barriers men face in accessing care and healing support.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The Board also proclaimed June 15, 2025, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Multnomah County. The proclamation — co-sponsored by Commissioners Meghan Moyer and Julia Brim-Edwards — sheds light on the many forms of elder abuse, which is estimated to impact 1 in 10 older Americans.
Elder abuse can include physical abuse, verbal abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect or self-neglect. It’s often perpetuated by family members, friends, caregivers, and strangers. The Department of County Human Services’ Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division provides support and prevention services to older adults who may be vulnerable to abuse.
“One of the services we perform, and I think we don’t talk about, is the work of Adult Protective Services and their work to protect seniors and people with disabilities,” Commissioner Moyer said. “Often seniors are not seen in our community. It’s hard to know what’s going on in their lives.”
“Elder Abuse Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that preventing abuse is a shared responsibility,” Commissioner Brim-Edwards said. “Everyone deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect, and Multnomah County should be known as a place where all people can age with the care and compassion they deserve.”
Juneteenth
The Board recognized June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States. The proclamation, co-sponsored by Commissioners Shannon Singleton and Jones-Dixon, aligns with the national observance of June 19, 1865, as Juneteenth Day.
Black American communities have profoundly shaped the history, politics, culture and prosperity of Multnomah County and the nation. From early pioneers to current leaders, their contributions span every aspect of society, including education, politics, the arts, business and social justice.
Despite these contributions, Black Americans continue to face systemic racism and discrimination, reflected in economic inequality, police brutality, mass incarceration, and unequal access to education and healthcare. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of this ongoing struggle and the urgent need to address systemic and interpersonal racism, bias, and unfair treatment.
“This holiday means so much to those who are African American,” Commissioner Singleton said. “As a Black girl in Philly, I was raised with an awareness of this holiday as it was something my grandparents celebrated every year. Now as a commissioner, I’ve reached heights my ancestors aspired to but were scorned, if not murdered, for trying to ascend to.”
“Juneteenth is not just about history — it’s about now,” Commissioner Jones-Dixon added. “It’s about work we must do to dismantle systems that were to withhold freedoms, opportunity and justice.”
Multnomah County is committed to eradicating racism and anti-Blackness within its institutions and departments, promoting racial equity, diversity, and inclusion to build a more just and equitable society for all employees.
Immigrant and Refugee Heritage Month
The Board also proclaimed June 2025 as Immigrant and Refugee Heritage Month in Multnomah County. The proclamation — co-sponsored by Commissioner Singleton and Chair Jessica Vega Pederson — reaffirms the County’s commitment to recognizing the diversity and value of immigrant communities in Multnomah County.
This year’s proclamation comes in the midst of a disturbing rise in attacks on immigrant and refugee communities across the nation. Multnomah County rejects discriminatory rhetoric, tactics, and fearmongering meant to divide communities on the basis of place of birth.
“We will continue to provide critical services and treat every person with dignity, regardless of immigration status. All are welcome here: today, tomorrow, no matter what,” Chair Vega Pederson said.
Multnomah County welcomes and supports immigrant communities from around the world as vital community members. The County is committed to partnering with employees, community members, and immigrant-serving organizations to promote Multnomah County as a place where everyone can grow and thrive in safety, trust, and belonging.
“Immigrants of all statuses are welcomed in District 2 and in Multnomah County,” Commissioner Singleton said. “We have such a diverse group of workers and residents of Multnomah County that deserve to all be recognized for their contributions to our County.”
The proclamation was read in several different languages to honor the diversity of Multnomah County. The multicultural panel of speakers included:
- Salomé Chimuku (Angola)
- Alex Nevison (Ivory Coast and Liberia)
- Kevin Luyamba (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- TK Kapurura (Zimbabwe)
- Montserrat Lozano Zambrano (Venezuela)
- Susanna Nor-Askarian (Armenia)
- Manizha Samadi (Afghanistan)
- Toan Lam-Sullivan (Vietnam and China)
- Rashmi Shrivastava (India)
