In just a few years, the 19th of June has gone from a somewhat obscure date in American history to a national holiday. Juneteenth is the date in 1865 on which a Union general in Texas informed former slaves that they were indeed free from slavery.
Black Americans have celebrated for a long time, but the designation as a national holiday came in 2021. BASE Southern Oregon--BASE standing for Black Alliance and Social Empowerment--plans another Juneteenth celebration at Pear Blossom Park in downtown Medford, to be held two days early, on Saturday, June 17th.
BASE member Kym McCandes talks to us about the plans for the event, with further details on Ashland's celebration (on the 18th) from Micah Blacklight and Tía Laída Fé.