Celebrating Juneteenth + join us in supporting community!
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Juneteenth is so much more than a celebration, it is an entire movement. #Juneteenth1865. Please make sure you recognize the meaning, symbolism and have knowledge of the image of our Flag. Now that it is a federal holiday, make sure it’s flying in your state and is represented by local and state governments to acknowledge the movement.
The Star:
“The white star in the center of the flag has a dual meaning. For one, it represents Texas, the Lone Star State. It was in Galveston in 1865 where Union soldiers informed the country’s last remaining enslaved people that, under the Emancipation Proclamation issued two years earlier, they were free. But the star also goes beyond Texas, representing the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.”
The Burst:
“On the Juneteenth flag, this [burst] represents a new beginning for the African Americans of Galveston and throughout the land.”
The Arc:
“The curve that extends across the width of the flag represents a new horizon: the opportunities and promise that lay ahead for Black Americans.”
The Colors:
“The red, white and blue represent the American flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are Americans.” Represent this logo when you celebrate our emancipation in this country.
We are kicking off the Juneteenth holiday with a speaking engagement from our executive director and founder, Teressa Raiford, as part of a panel today, June 17th.
Labor union SEIU 503 African American Caucus (AFRAM) will be hosting their Juneteenth virtual event that will address racial bias, social and economic injustices in Oregon’s workplaces. Sign up to watch the panel here from 5:30-7:30pm.
On Saturday, June 18th we are excited to attend Juneteenth Oregon’s 50th year anniversary, founded by beloved community leader Clara Peoples. View their website for musical guests, ticket information and to join the Clara Peoples Freedom Parade!
We can’t wait to team up with Kee’s Loaded Kitchen and support her Feeding Black Portland program - free, family-sized soul food plates will be served to all from the time Kee begins cooking at 1pm until she sells out for the day.
Kee's Loaded Kitchen
5020 NE Martin Luther King JR Blvd, Portland OR 97212
1PM until sold out!
We will also be set up with our volunteers at our Freedom Lemonade Stand with free books, art supplies, social justice materials and COVID-19 tests - join us on Sunday, June 19th!
Monday, June 19 we will be hosting a community clean up for Black elderly residents at the Allen Fremont Plaza Apartments, who we have been advocating for those experiencing housing violations.
Please email us if you’d like to volunteer at contact@dontshootpdx.org or if you have been experiencing housing violations and would like to be referred to a trusted probono legal team, fill this form out.
Tuesday, June 21 we are working with the Oregon Justice Resource Center (OJRC) to learn more about seeking justice with Senate Bill 819 with a part 2 informative webinar. This newly introduced bill with allow re-sentencing and/or relief for past criminal convictions.
Webinar begins at 5:00 and we will be taking Q&A from those in attendance until 6:30pm. Please register here and share with family and friends! You can watch part 1 here.