Arnerich Massena will be closing its office on Juneteenth (June 19^th) in remembrance of the day in 1865 that Union General Gordon Granger brought the news of emancipation to the people of Galveston, Texas two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Long known as African American Emancipation Day, Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021 as a national celebration and commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.

There are numerous ways you can observe Juneteenth, such as learning more about Black History, supporting Black-owned businesses, engaging with opportunities to expand your cultural awareness, or just gathering with family and community to honor the day. Here are a couple of events commemorating the holiday:

• Oregon is honoring Juneteenth with the Juneteenth Oregon Annual Community Festival. The event will take place at Lillis-Albina Park on Saturday, June 15 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade will kick off the event by marching down Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. that morning. You can learn more about the event at https://juneteenthor.com/
• You can also take part in Opal’s Walk and join 2022 Nobel Peace Prize nominee Opal Lee in walking 2.5 miles to honor the 2.5 years it took for news of freedom to reach the people in Texas. Opal Lee will be walking with her community in Dallas, Texas, but you can walk with her from wherever you are. Find more information and register for the event at https://www.opalswalk2dc.com/opalswalk2023