June brings the start of summer, as well as two important celebrations: Pride Month and Juneteenth.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on 1/1/63, it took more than two years for the news to reach the enslaved in Texas. Juneteenth – also known as “Freedom Day” – is the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th – Learn more about Juneteenth.
Pride Month is celebrated during the month of June and honors the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Today, the purpose is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ people have had on history. Additionally many memorials are held in June for those that have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. Learn more about Pride Month.
Below are additional resources to learn more.
- Watch
- Reverend Magora Kennedy
- What the +?
- What is Juneteenth?
- History of Juneteenth and Why it’s important
- Listen
- Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
- Queerology: Coach Yeamah
- History of the American Drum Set
- “Freedom” by Beyonce
- “Say it Loud” by James Brown
- Read
- A Workplace Divided
- Pronouns
- NFL Coach
- Juneteenth: Recommended Readings
- The Juneteenth Flag Explained
- Act
- Support SMYRC
- Shop the Gay Portland Directory
- Book Poison Waters for Drag Queen Bingo
- Attend the Juneteenth Music Festival
- Attend the Freadom Festival
