Juneteeth Oregon celebrates 'freedom for all'
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- It took until 2021 for Juneteenth to be designated a federal holiday and a state holiday the following year. But the Juneteenth celebration in Portland is now in its 52nd year.
Since 1972, when community leader Clara Peoples founded it, the Juneteenth Oregon celebration includes a parade and various activities that include live music and food, art, educational and cultural booths and a children's play area.
This year, the parade began at 11 a.m. from King Elementary to Lillis-Albina Park and featured 1500 people walking.
The festival continued until 7 p.m. More events are scheduled Sunday through June 19.
When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Januay 1, 1863, slaves were freed. But it had little effect in Texas until June 19, 1865 when a Union general read the proclamation to the people in Galveston. That day became known as Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Oregon Director Jenelle Jack said the celebration showcases "freedom for all. It's freedom. It's a chance to celebrate who we are."
Richard Hunter of Northeast Portland said it's important for people to know history.
"When my father came here in 1945 there were signs in the buildings: 'We cater to whites only.' It was very racist here," Hunter said. "The story needs to be told. People need to be educated."
Others who spoke with KOIN 6 News shared their stories about growing up in Northeast Portland and how drastically the neighborhood changed over the years.
Tony Claywood, who now lives in Hillsboro, remembered days from the 1970s.
"Every time a police officer passed me I was scared because as soon as they see you, brake lights come on automatically, you know you were going to get pulled over," Claywood said. "That's how I lived back then in the '70s."
"Over time, of course, the gentrification in the Northeast and North area where it was predominantly African American neighborhood, now you don't see that. It's a mixture," said Diane Lamberth. "We had stores, corner stores, we had record shops, we had Mom-and-pop stores, little cafes. And we don't have that now because we've been moved out. Everything or some things have been sold from under us."