At Family Forward, Juneteenth is a time of celebration and reflection. It’s a time to honor our wins while also recognizing the collective work before us. During Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to fighting both overt and covert racism, and we acknowledge the intentional disparities Black Americans face when accessing care — especially when it comes to child care, Black maternal health and disproportionate rates of mother and infant mortality.
Importantly, Juneteenth offers an opportunity for us to think about our role as an organization committed to racial justice, and how we can best follow the lead of Black parents and caregivers. Though the Trump administration and MAGA Republicans continue to attack the programs, protections and equal opportunities that we’ve won together, we will continue to push for equity in all aspects of care.
So, what is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day when news of freedom from enslavement finally made it west to Texas on June 19, 1865 — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Though Black Americans were no longer legally enslaved, racist policies and systems like sharecropping ensured the oppression carried on, keeping progress for Black Americans out of reach. But the resilience of our ancestors and their commitment to a just society has never wavered.
Today, in the face of deep uncertainty, we turn to family, freedom, activism and resilience in celebration of Juneteenth. We know none of us are free until ALL of us are free. And we invite you to join us in fighting for our shared liberation. Rally around community, and listen to those most affected by systemic barriers for solutions. And most importantly, take action and get loud in the face of racist and xenophobic oppression because care, and our community, cannot wait.
Now what?
- Join Family Forward — To take action and advocate for Oregon’s parents and caregivers, sign up for our action alerts! We’ll email you with upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
- Learn More — For more learning around Juneteenth, check out the resources from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Get Local — And for even more ways to get involved locally, connect with the Urban League of Portland.