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 events happening on the Oregon Coast!
Juneteenth Freedom Day South Coast Equity Coalition
South Coast, multiple locations June 12-June 22
Lincoln City Juneteenth Celebration
June 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Lincoln City Community Center
Coos History Museum: Screening of Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom
June 12th at the Coos History Museum
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.