Oregon House Passes Bill for Juneteenth

OREGON- The Oregon House of Representatives passed House Bill 168, which would make Juneteenth an official state holiday.

The holiday, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S., and celebrates the dignity, freedom and contributions made by Black Americans.

“By making Juneteenth an official state holiday, we can both confront and acknowledge our
shameful history of racial discrimination and white supremacist violence, while celebrating and
recognizing the contributions Black Americans have made and continue to make in the face of
systemic inequities,” said House Majority Leader Barbara Smith Warner (D-Portland),
chief sponsor of the bill. “Juneteenth can help Oregon look to a future of racial equity and
justice.”