Juneteenth 2025

Join Us in Celebrating Juneteenth in West Linn!

The City of West Linn invites our community to come together in recognition of Juneteenth—one of the oldest nationally celebrated commemorations of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and shared the news that all enslaved people were free. This moment marked a powerful turning point, symbolizing resilience, hope, and the enduring struggle for equality.

Throughout June, West Linn will offer several opportunities for reflection, learning, and celebration. We will host a special informational talk led by Tricia Brand, our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) consultant, On June 26th in the Library Community Room at 630pm exploring the history and lasting impact of Juneteenth across the nation and here in Oregon.

In addition, West Linn will participate in Summer Connections at Clackamas Community College on Friday, June 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.—a vibrant countywide gathering that celebrates both Pride Month and Juneteenth, and brings together communities across Clackamas County in the spirit of unity.

We are also proud to present the Juneteenth Story Walk, a 15-panel, portable outdoor exhibit that traces the rich history of Juneteenth—from its beginnings in Galveston, Texas, through the evolution of Juneteenth celebrations in Oregon, including the pivotal role of Clara Peoples, who introduced Juneteenth to Oregon in 1945. The Story Walk also honors milestones such as the 2021 recognition of Juneteenth as an official Oregon state holiday and West Linn’s own proclamation celebrating this important day.

To further support community engagement, the West Linn Public Library will open free evening use of the Library Community Room during the week of Juneteenth for community-hosted programs that celebrate Juneteenth themes of freedom, resilience, and belonging. We are now accepting applications from community members and organizations interested in hosting events.

We hope you will join us as we honor the journey from emancipation to today and celebrate the power of freedom, community, and connection. Together, we can continue to rise—building a future rooted in equity, hope, and unity.

Honor Freedom. Celebrate Community. Inspire Hope.

JUNE EVENTS: REFLECT, LEARN, CELEBRATE

June 6

5pm to 7pm - Summer Connections Celebration: Clackamas Community College, A vibrant countywide gathering celebrating Pride Month and Juneteenth together! Music, activities, and community connection.
 

June 26

6:30pm - The Walk for Freedom and the Story of Opal Lee, Grandmother of Juneteenth

Join us to explore one powerful story behind America's newest national holiday. 

Delve into the profound meaning of Juneteenth through the story of Dr. Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth” who played a pivotal role in making it a federal holiday. This holiday marks the day freedom finally reached enslaved people in Texas in 1865. Ms. Lee's personal connection to Juneteenth is deeply rooted; as a child in 1939, her family home was burned down by a mob on June 19th. Ms. Lee's decades of activism, including her symbolic “Walks for Freedom" across the country, helped shine a national spotlight on this crucial historical day. 

This talk will honor the history of freedom while reflecting on the ongoing work needed to address the legacy of enslavement and build a more just society, inspired by Ms. Lee's powerful example of perseverance and hope. 

“The road to true freedom is long, but I've walked it my whole life. Will you walk with me?” - Dr. Opal Lee 

Featured Speaker: 
Tricia Brand is Principal Consultant for DEIB for West Linn and a leader dedicated to social impact and equity in education, organizations, and government. With 20 years of experience spanning higher education, public agencies, and now biotech, Tricia has championed social transformation through narrative change and human-centered design, holding key leadership roles including former Chief Diversity Officer at Portland Community College. She specializes in creating cultures of belonging, DEIB capacity-building, and strategic organizational change.

Books about Dr. Lee:
Alice Faye Duncan -  "Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth – Brave + Kind Bookshop
https://www.braveandkindbooks.com/products/opal-lee-and-what-it-means-to-be-free-the-true-story-of-the-grandmother-of-juneteenth-alice-faye-duncan

Opal Lee  "Juneteenth: A Children’s Story" - Amazon 
https://a.co/d/4Khcw8j

Juneteenth StoryWalk

Experience a 15-panel outdoor exhibit tracing Juneteenth’s journey from Galveston, Texas, to Oregon. Learn about Clara Peoples, Oregon’s "Mother of Juneteenth," and celebrate West Linn's proclamation honoring this historic day.

Community-Led Events

You’re Invited! The Library Community Room will be open for free evening use during Juneteenth week! We are now accepting applications from community members and organizations interested in hosting Juneteenth-themed programs. Click below for the application.

Juneteenth Community Programming Application