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Despite the rain, many still came out to celebrate the Juneteenth event in northeast Portland.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The 53rd annual Juneteenth Oregon celebration brought together hundreds of people Saturday, continuing the holiday’s legacy of honoring Black freedom and culture, despite Saturday’s rain. 

The event began with the Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade and ended with a community festival at Lillis-Albina Park. The parade paid tribute to Clara Peoples, who is credited with being the founder of Juneteenth Oregon. 

Juneteenth, officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

“I think any opportunity when you see so many Black people in one space — it is powerful,” said Cameron Whitten, founder of Brown Hope and a parade attendee.

The importance of celebrating the community, particularly in a city with a small Black population, was made clear.

“Portland is a place where there’s not that many Black people, so when you see a lot of us come out, a lot of people that’s been in this community for 40, 50 years, it’s always an honor to see those people,” said Javary Christmas, who also attended the parade.

“We’re here to bring about leadership and ensure people understand that it can be a fun time at the same time that we’re generating energy and showing people that we’re still here,” said Donal K. Singleton, president of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, organizers acknowledged financial strain due to a loss of sponsorships that they said is due to the Trump administration.

“We have lost some sponsors due to DEI mandates coming out of the White House,” said Heather Coleman-Cox, media relations director for Juneteenth Oregon. “We’re operating on a much lower budget, but we’re still making it happen.”

She said they are looking for financial donations to be able to continue the event in the future. Donations can be made at juneteenthor.com.