Wilsonville Juneteenth Celebration Remarks
June 19, 2025
Hi everyone! Happy Juneteenth!
First Lady Aimee and I are so grateful to be here with you today. Thank you Wilsonville for elevating and celebrating Juneteenth. And it's an honor to follow the Wilsonville High School students and Ms. Harden-Moore. What wonderful remarks!
This day is about honoring the resilience and history of the Black community. Black History is Oregon history. That history, sadly, is blemished by the story of Black Oregonians experiencing exclusion, displacement, and institutionalized racism – often by actions by their own government, thus denying generations of Black Oregonians the opportunities to build the wealth and the prosperous communities they deserved. We are still working to rectify those misdeeds and their impacts. And I am steadfast in my commitment to be an ally in those efforts.
Black History as Oregon History is also a story of community, joy, and determination. Today, we celebrate this day by celebrating Black excellence. Today, I celebrate by reaffirming my commitment to equality, justice, and the fight against systemic racism.
As your Governor, I am committed to a government that listens to the Black community, across our beautiful state. Not just when the cameras are rolling — but when the decisions are being made. I have made it a point to include Black leaders in the rooms where decisions are being considered and continue to meet regularly with faith leaders and community organizations.
Before I close, I want to acknowledge the threats from the federal government to our shared value of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. On this Juneteenth, let us stand proudly to teach the history and impact of racism in our country, to celebrate and uplift communities who may look different than our own, to persevere in our actions to balance the scales against centuries of discrimination.
We know that celebrating the freedom of one group does not diminish the freedom of others. It makes us all more free. I am not afraid of a fight. And I know you're not either. I am dedicated to protecting and maintaining the values that Oregonians hold dear. And while it's a daily fight and a long fight ahead of us, I'm glad we are taking the time to celebrate what we have achieved and celebrate each other. Because celebration is the best form of resistance.
Thank you!