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Celebrate Juneteenth in Central Oregon

Events highlighting Freedom Day and a march to take back the Butte

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On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom from slavery in Texas. Since then, Americans continue to celebrate Juneteenth and emancipation in the United States. The annual holiday will be celebrated locally this year, thanks to several nonprofits and community organizations coming together to host a family-friendly event.

Speakers will share the history of Juneteenth in our community. Music, food, dancing and educational exhibits will be available all day. The organizers say an event of this type is more important than ever this year, "Given the increased awareness and widespread protests that have occurred over the past 12 months around longstanding injustices and inequities in our society."

Juneteenth Central OR

Juneteenth events celebrate emancipation and freedom.

In addition to raising awareness, The Father's Group event page states the focus of this year's event is on the housing crisis in Central Oregon. Education around the systemic issues that lead to housing inequity in our area will be offered. Service providers, city officials and more will be on site throughout the day to collaborate on solutions and share resources.

In a Housing Crisis, Put the Focus Back on Locals: With prices rising astronomically and no end in sight, it's time for local governments to increase their efforts to help provide housing for those who live right here

Juneteenth: Central Oregon Celebrates Freedom Day
June 19, 11am-5pm
Ponderosa Park
juneteenthCentralOR.com
Free

Another event scheduled for Juneteenth aims to raise awareness about the history of white supremacy in the local community. The Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly is planning the second annual Take Back the Butte March for June 19. According to COBLA and the Deschutes Historical Society, in the 1920s, Pilot Butte was used by the KKK to burn crosses and hold meetings. COBLA hopes the march provides an opportunity to bring Central Oregonians together to address the past and move forward in unity.

Take Back the Butte
June 19, 11am
Pilot Butte State Park
mycobla.org/events
Free

Take Back the Butte: Hundreds gather on Juneteenth on Pilot Butte—the site of KKK rallies in the early 20th Century

About The Author

Megan Burton

Email Megan Burton

A journalist and sometimes historian with Midwest roots, Megan found home in the PNW. When not covering local news & events, she spends her days desperately teaching her old dog new tricks and relearning to grow food in the fickle high desert.

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