Happy Juneteenth!
In celebration of Black freedom in the United States, there are tons of local events and initiatives happening throughout Portland this week and beyond. Although these are not PICA programs or events, we are honored to utilize our platform to help get the word out about these opportunities.
Please note that the following language is from the sources provided. Read on and click through for full details!
Support the nůn studios Indiegogo campaign
nůn studios is a burgeoning member-run risograph print shop in Northeast Portland, Oregon. Launched in 2020, the studio opened as a Black-stewarded space offering production, design, distribution support, education, and studio access to counter-hegemonic artists and organizers.
Proceeds from their Indiegogo campaign will be be split between Black and Indigenous land stewards, Palestinian families and organizers, and nůn studios operations.
Doomteenth: Octavia Butler Reading & Discussion
Date and Time: Thursday, June 19, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Black Futures Farm, 6745 SE 60th St, Portland, OR
Cost: Free
Engage in a thought-provoking discussion honoring Juneteenth through the works of influential Black thinkers. Stay tuned to @BlackFuturesFarm on Instagram for more info!
Juneteenth: a Celebration of Black & Queer Music
Date and Time: Thursday, June 19, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Bar Botellón, 606 NE Davis St, Portland, OR
Cost: Free
Juneteenth and Pride Month shake hands at this music-filled evening featuring two incredibly talented Black queer artists: DJ Curtis starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Portland Center Stage, and Jasmine Johnson has performed with the Portland Opera and Oregon Symphony. Musica Mixta, an organization that features a variety of styles and promotes diverse groups of performers, hosts the joyful celebration, and Bar Botellón's rustic space and delicious menu of tapas and house-made sangria make for a great setting to enjoy the music by Shannon Lubetich.
Juneteenth Cookout at The Black Gallery
Date and Time: Thursday, June 19, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: The Black Gallery, 916 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR
Cost: Free
This Juneteenth, Don't Shoot PDX is inviting everyone to the cookout as they "honor Black freedom while making art, sharing food, and lifting up our history and future together." Kee's Loaded Kitchen will show out with her soul-satisfying food, and music will complete the vibe. Grab a plain shirt or bag from home (or snag a free one at the event) to get screen printed. Don't Shoot will also gift kiddos with free banned books and art supplies.
RACE TALKS: The 4th Annual History of Black Drag in Portland, A Juneteenth & Pride Celebration
Date and Time: Thursday, June 19, 7:00 PM
Location: McMenamins Kennedy School Theater, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR
Cost: $28 for adults, free with RSVP for kids 12 and under
Join us for the 4th Annual History of Black Drag in Portland, an intersectional celebration of Juneteenth and Pride where we explore the historical and contemporary experience of Black Drag in Portland, Oregon. This event features an all-star panel of local Black drag queens followed by fabulous drag performances. All ages are welcome!
Black Libration Bike Ride
Date and Time: Thursday, June 19, meet at 6:00 PM, ride at 6:30
Location: Irving Park, 707 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR (ride begins and ends at the park)
Cost: Free
Shift 2 Bikes is excited to continue the 10th annual Black Liberation Ride in 2025 - a community bike ride for Black + Brown Portlanders, hosted on Thursday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth - aka the celebration of the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African - aka Black Independence Day! This ride is a moment to come together, take up space, and celebrate in solidarity by riding around Portland. This ride is centered around the Black/Brown community. Kid-friendly, NO DROP, and open to all rider levels.
Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival
Date and Time: Saturday, June 21, 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Lillis-Albina Park, Portland, OR
Cost: Free
Annually, millions of people across America join the African American community in celebrating Juneteenth. In Portland, the day is honored with “The Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade” down Martin Luther King Blvd and a public festival at Lillis-Albina Park on N. Russell and N. Flint with a festival to follow. The festival will have guest speakers, stage performers, live music entertainment, vendors, exhibits, and children’s activities.
Melanated Laments: Immersive Celebration of Black, Afro-Indigenous Culture
Date and Time: Sunday, June 22, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Alberta Abbey, 126 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR
Cost: Sliding scale $5 – 20 / No one turned away
Join us for "Melanated Laments,” a powerful and immersive celebration of Black Heritage, Afro-Indigenous culture, and the transformative power of art and music. Taking place on June 22nd at Alberta Abbey, this event invites you to experience a one-of-a-kind journey through personal healing, storytelling, and cultural expression.