Oregon
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.”
-
Eugene1 week agoOregon Republican gubernatorial candidate Drazan takes aim at Gov. Kotek over $96,000 ODOT hiring contract, tells her to leave the hiring to her in January
-
Eugene1 week agoEugene firefighters battle four-hour blaze that engulfed large rural home as difficult access and lack of fire hydrants complicate response
-
Eugene1 week ago33-year-old man arrested after ramming vehicles, punching officer in the face and slashing another with a knife
-
Eugene6 days agoWoman charged with DUII and reckless driving after allegedly driving wrong way and nearly causing multiple crashes in Eugene
-
Eugene6 days ago35-year-old man taken into custody after fatal shooting in Eugene, charged with second-degree murder
-
Eugene1 week agoEugene Springfield Fire responds to hazardous materials incident after chemical reaction overheats industrial equipment and releases gases
-
Oregon6 days agoOregon State Police arrest driver for DUII after clocking vehicle traveling over 110 mph on I-84
-
Eugene3 days agoOregon Sens. Wyden and Merkley join California Sen. Padilla in demanding answers from Trump administration over controversial plans to turn public lands into data center sites
