Despite the rain, hundreds attended this year's Juneteenth festival on Saturday in Portland, which featured a Freedom Parade, local food, musical artists, guest speakers, arts and craft vendors, community services, prizes, and a fun zone for children. Portlanders also celebrated with a community festival on the Jefferson High School sports field Saturday.
Although Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, slavery was still was carried out in parts of the United States, predominantly Texas, for over two years. It wasn't until June 18 and 19 in 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the emancipation of the slaves, that all were declared free.
Juneteenth is observed as a holiday by 39 states and in 2001, the Oregon Legislature passed Joint Resolution 56 that proclaims June 19 of each year as a day for statewide celebration.
0 comments:
Post a Comment