Oregonians gather to commemorate Juneteenth

MEDFORD, Ore. – Monday is Juneteenth, and Medford held a special event Saturday to celebrate.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.  It is celebrated annually on June 19.

Saturday’s event highlighted many African American vendors, musicians, and artists while offering activities for all ages.

The organization Black Alliance Social Empowerment (BASE), organized this event to highlight African Americans in Southern Oregon.

“We’re celebrating the day of Freedom.  The day that everybody in this country is free and it feels so good we’re on our third year things just keep getting bigger and better,” said BASE member Vance Beach.  “We got exciting bands we got live music, DJs, you know, kids are having fun.  It’s just an amazing day to spend amongst community.”

Beach says on the actual day of Juneteenth BASE will be giving away tickets to see Diana Ross at the Britt Festival.

© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.

Taylar Ansures is a producer and reporter for NBC5 News. Taylar is from Redding, California and went to California State University, Chico. After graduating, she joined KRCR News Channel 7 in Redding as a morning producer. She moved to Southern Oregon in 2022 to be closer to family and became KTVL News 10’s digital producer. Taylar is currently finishing her Master's Degree in Professional Creative Writing through the University of Denver. In her free time, Taylar frequents independent bookstores and explores hiking trails across Southern Oregon and Northern California.
Skip to content