On June 19th, 1865, (about 2.5 years after Black slaves were freed via the Emancipation Proclamation), word finally reached Texas & the last slaves were liberated. This occasion is marked by a holiday called #Juneteenth .

We recognize the importance of this holiday by reflecting on the struggles Black Americans still face in a country where many of their ancestors were brought here in chains. We celebrate the many successes Black Americans have achieved despite the barriers that they have faced.

We take this day to focus on the true liberation of Black Americans from racism and discrimination.

We look forward to the future when we once again can come together on Juneteenth in person. This year's Juneteenth holiday in Portland will look different than last year's when Chief Boone met Miss Juneteenth and it was all captured in this great photo.

This year Juneteenth will be going virtual w/a livestream on Saturday, June 20 from 1-4 p.m. Watch the event live on Facebook at https://buff.ly/3hE5Zru  or https://buff.ly/2USU5jw  Watch the event live on Instagram at https://buff.ly/30SdrZX  or https://buff.ly/3eouoio .