Black in the Gorge's Juneteenth Celebration Draws 250 People
Juneteenth attendees enjoying the festivities at Jackson Park in Hood River on June 16, 2024. Photo: Cole Goodwin
By Cole Goodwin
Hood River, Ore, 18, 2024 — Over 250 people attended Black in the Gorge’s (BIG) 2nd annual Juneteenth celebration at Jackson Park in Hood River on Sunday, June 16. The event featured food, fun, and performances from Boka Marimba Band, dance lessons from African Dance Instructor Ebenezer “Ne” Amartey, the Gorge Freedom Choir, and a DJ.
The event was a celebration to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and enjoy music, food, art, and culture as a community.
BIG co-founder Ann Harris joins in on the dancing at the event. Contributed photo.
BIG provided information about their community initiatives, the history of Juneteenth.
The event also helped to draw awareness of BIG’s scholarship fund.
“We have raised $2,250 for our scholarship fund. We still need at least $2,750 more to be able to begin distributing scholarships next June. We hope more people will contribute,” said Ann Harris, founding member of BIG.
Donations to the scholarship fund can be made online at the Gorge Community Foundation webpage found at https://gorgecf.org/donations/gorge-community-foundation/
Signs speaking to the history of Juneteenth and Black in The Gorge’s scholarship fund. Photo: Cole Goodwin
This year’s community art project featured the painting of a tree. Attendees were invited to write a word or phrase about what community means to them on brightly colored “leaves” which will be added to the painting and displayed at next year’s event. Community members could also take part in various crafts such as coloring in a Juneteenth flag and making father’s day cards.
The event also featured a community resource fair.
mber Rose, Community Organizer for Hood River Latino Network (HRLN) was also present to share information about HRLN’s new Immigrant Help Center. Photo: Cole Goodwin
The Resource fair included several booths with crafts and activities for the community to enjoy. Columbia Area Transit’s travel trainer Sara Crook was present to share information about public transit in the Gorge. A Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance was also present to share information about Pride month and offerings of The Nest Door Inc.
Organizers said they are looking forward to growing the event in the future.
“We plan to continue this annual celebration and would like to expand participation from other Gorge communities…perhaps facilitating transportation to the event. In the upcoming year, it is our intention that the Freedom Quilt that was unveiled at our event will be displayed publicly at locations across the Gorge. It’s first location will be the HR City Hall,” said Harris.
Last year’s community art project, a freedom quilt on display at the event. Photo: Cole Goodwin
Black in Gorge is also looking forward to hosting their picnic next month.
There will be a Black in the Gorge family picnic on July 21, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Waterfront Park in Hood River.
“We invite Black, Bi-racial and Multi-racial individuals and families as well as allies to join us!” said Harris.
Interested in a picnic on the waterfront with your community? RSVP at https://beav.es/pq6.
For more information about Black in the Gorge, check out https://beav.es/pco or follow Black in the Gorge on FaceBook at BlackintheGorge or on Instagram @Blackinthegorge.
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