The Oregon Senate unanimously passed House Bill 2168, which will make Juneteenth an official holiday in Oregon

Eugene, OR – Did you know that Juneteenth (Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, Freedom Day) is the oldest nationally celebrated holiday that honors the freedom of enslaved people in the United States.

The bill’s passing also acknowledges Oregon’s racist roots and celebrates the contributions made by Black Americans in the face of inequity and systemic oppression.

Oregon will officially begin observing Juneteenth as a holiday starting June 19, 2022.

Senator Frederick said:

“Juneteenth is not the date all slaves were freed. Juneteenth is not the date that Black Americans, or Black Oregonians, were guaranteed comfort, relief or safety. Also, Juneteenth was a step forward and a marker of hope, one we must continue to build upon.

This official holiday will recognize that the people of Oregon, despite our past, can take the veil of ignorance away, and each year choose to have hope – on Juneteenth and every day thereafter.”