Juneteenth (June 19th), also known as America’s second Independence Day, commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth has been recognized by the Black community since 1865, and became a federal holiday in 2021. Oregon officially recognized the holiday in 2022. This year, Oregonians across the state will celebrate with activism, arts, music, and cultural events.
Celebrating Black history along the coast, and sharing stories about Black history is an important step towards creating equitable opportunities and welcoming spaces for historically marginalized peoples. Read on to find out how you can get involved this month, and all year long.
Here’s a guide to everything that’s happening on the Oregon Coast!
Lincoln City Juneteenth Celebration: Amplify Black Voices
June 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Lincoln City Cultural Center
The Cultural Center is proud to be hosting Lincoln City’s second annual Juneteenth Celebration, with food, live music, inspiring speakers, children’s activities and educational exhibits.
Enjoy music from Motown and Stax songbook, courtesy of Jimi Hardin and Hip Deep featuring Rebecca Westby. The keynote address will be given by Zachary Stocks, executive director of Oregon Black Pioneers. A complimentary barbecue lunch, prepared by Phill’s Smok’n Grill, will be served to the first 300 in attendance.
Presented by the Lincoln City Parks & Recreation in partnership with North Lincoln County Historical Museum, Friends of the Driftwood Library, Explore Lincoln City and the Cultural Center.
Zachary Stocks at Yachats Commons / Yachatians for Social Justice
June 16, 2:00 p.m. at Yachats Commons
Join Zachary Stocks of the Oregon Black Pioneers for a thought-provoking, educational journey: Uncovering Oregon’s Black History, 450 years in 45 minutes. Zachary will share his deep knowledge of Black pioneers in Oregon in a presentation sponsored by View the Future at the Yachats Commons on June 16 at 2 p.m. A donation of $5 is suggested.
Oregon Black Pioneers stands as Oregon’s sole historical society dedicated to safeguarding and sharing the experiences of African Americans statewide. Since its inception in 1993, OBP has been at the forefront of shedding light on the often-overlooked history of African Americans in Oregon. Through original exhibitions, scholarly publications, historical research, and collaborative projects aimed at commemorating significant sites, OBP has tirelessly worked to amplify voices and stories that have long been marginalized.
South Coast Equity Coalition: Juneteenth 2024 Family Reunion
South Coast, multiple locations, June 18-21
The South Coast Equity Coalition, in partnership with the Juneteenth Celebration Committee is hosting Coos and Curry County’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 18th-June 21st, 2024. This year’s event has expanded to include multiple locations on the Southern Oregon Coast including Coos Bay, Bandon, and Brookings!
The annual theme is Family Reunion – chosen because, for Black communities, family reunions have centered around resilience through storytelling, visibility, joy, and food.
The South Coast Equity Coalition is honored and delighted to bring this FREE celebration to Coos and Curry County for three days of fun, education, entertainment, and activities for all!
Experience West African drumming provided by Gansango African Music and Dance Company. Teaching artists will engage participants in learning basic West African rhythms with hands-on use of drums, bells, shakers and clapping. These fun and interactive workshops will entertain and educate for all ages. Come one, come all – no prior music or drum experience required!
Coos History Museum Free Admission
June 18th at the Coos History Museum
Join the Coos History Museum Free Day on June 18th (closed for Juneteenth on June 19th).
Meet the Story Keepers at the ROOTS Exhibit Opening
June 15th to September 15th, Tillamook
In partnership with the State Forests Trust of Oregon and multi-award-winning filmmaker and Creative Director Chad Brown, the Oregon Department of Forestry is hosting a special, temporary film and photography exhibit, ROOTS, at the Tillamook Forest Center (TFC) from June 15th to September 15th, 2024. The ROOTS exhibit focuses on past and present BIPOC outdoor recreationists who find joy and have accomplished milestones in pursuing the outdoor recreationist community. Learn more here.
How else can I get involved?
If you’d like to learn more about Black History on the Oregon Coast, and share information and resources in your consumer channels, OCVA has a roundup of resources to help:
- Explore the Oregon Coast Black History Toolkit, which includes stories and photos of Black History along the coast. If you have stories to share of Black pioneers in your community, please let us know!
- Share these articles, Black History on the North Coast, by Kay Kingsman, and 5 Stops on Your Oregon Coast Black History Road Trip, by Zachary Stocks of Oregon Black Pioneers.
- Follow Oregon Black Pioneers on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube for more stories, events, and ways to share the history of Black Oregonians.
- Watch the unveiling of Waldport’s Louis Southworth sculpture, and read more about the life of Alsea Bay homesteader Louis Southworth. You can see the sculpture in person at the Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center.
- Read A Peculiar Paradise: A History of Blacks in Oregon, 1788–1940 by Elizabeth McLagan and published in cooperation with Oregon Black Pioneers.
- Check out OCVA’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok throughout the year for more ideas and inspiration.