Tualatin Valley Celebrates Diversity
Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19) commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of four million enslaved African Americans. This significant event, which originated in Galveston, Texas, marked the arrival of Union soldiers on June 19, 1865, when the residents of Galveston finally received news of the abolition of slavery. In 2021, Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday. That same year, it was established as an Oregon state holiday. (Juneteenth is observed on Thursday, June 19, and some businesses may be closed.)
Juneteenth Events
Juneteenth Celebration | June 14 | 12-6:30 p.m. | Jerry Willey Plaza | Hillsboro
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce honors the legacy of Juneteenth and its profound significance at its annual Juneteenth event celebrating the resilience, heritage and achievements of the African American community.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration | June 14 | 3-6 p.m. | Cook Family Park | Tigard
Tigard’s fourth annual Juneteenth celebration promises an afternoon of food, live music and local entertainment and speakers.
Support Tualatin Valley’s Black-Owned Businesses
Can’t make the Juneteenth event? You can support Tualatin Valley’s Black-owned businesses year-round.
Winery
- Abbey Creek Winery, winery tasting room featured in Food & Wine and Wine Enthusiast magazines
Coffee Shops
- Deadstock Coffee, “sneakerhead” focused coffee shop
Food Carts and Restaurants
- Ezell’s Famous Chicken, fast-casual fried chicken and soul food
- Hayat African Halal Restaurant, Somalian cuisine
- Killer Burger, fast-casual burger joint
- The Mac, Mac & Cheese food cart
- Rush Bowls, bowls and smoothies
Retail Shops
- I Body Love (sustainable body products and candles)
- Hue Noir Cosmetics (makeup; online only)
- Mamancy Tea Co (tea and chocolates)
Beaverton Farmers Market Finds + Online Retail
- Eleni’s Kitchen (spices and Ethiopian cuisine) – visit them online or at the Beaverton Farmers Market on Saturdays
- Esotico Pasta, order their hand-crafted artisan pasta online or visit them at the Beaverton Farmers Market on Saturdays
- Zoe Ann’s Cheesecakes, order her cheesecakes online or visit her at the Beaverton Farmers Market on Saturdays
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