On Thursday Salem has multiple events to celebrate Juneteenth, which recognizes the end of slavery in the U.S.
It became a federal holiday in 2021 and a state holiday in 2022.
The June 19 celebration is held to remember the day in 1865, when over 250,000 slaves in Texas were freed nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Celebrations of Juneteenth today combine joy and recognition of Black achievement along with the continuing push for equality.
The Salem-Keizer NAACP describes Juneteenth as a “meaningful opportunity to learn, celebrate and support one another.”
Here are the celebrations happening in Salem.
Black Wall Street
From noon to 6 p.m. a large Juneteenth block party celebration is taking place downtown at the intersection of Southeast Cottage and State Streets.
The celebration will have a focus on the history of Black Wall Street, which refers to the Tulsa neighborhood where Black business owners thrived until a violent race riot in 1921 destroyed the neighborhood.
This Thursday’s event will be “a powerful day honoring freedom, resilience and Black excellence,” according to the event’s website. It is organized by the Salem-Keizer NAACP. The celebration will have a variety of local performers, food trucks, art, vendors and activities. Around two dozen Black-owned businesses will be available to shop from and soul and hip-hop musician Rich McCloud will perform, according to a press release from organizers.
The event is free and open to the public. More information is available here.
Juneteenth walk
The Willamette Heritage Center is hosting its third annual Juneteenth Community History Walk. Each walk has explored the lives of different local families affected by slavery and emancipation.
This year’s walk will follow the lives of a mother and daughter who traveled the Oregon Trail to arrive in Polk County with their enslavers in 1844. The walking tour will visit sites connected to their family’s story and reunion in Salem.
There will be several chances to go on the walk, with guided tours available at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. People will also be able to do the walk as a self-guided tour. The walk is free to participate in. The walk will start at the Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. S.E. and take participants on a 2.8 mile loop through downtown. Maps will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information is available here.
Government closures
All city offices will be closed Thursday in honor of Juneteenth, the city posted online. Emergency services will be staffed and people can reach out to the non-emergency line, 503-588-6123, press 1, if needed.
All non-essential Marion County departments will also be closed Thursday.
State government buildings will be closed Thursday to observe Juneteenth.
Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].
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Madeleine Moore came to Salem after graduating from the University of Oregon in June 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She covers addiction and recovery, transportation and infrastructure.
