Chelsea Deloney speaks at Lincoln statue re-dedication
On June 20th, the OLBC helped celebrate Juneteenth with the re-dedication of George Waters statue of Lincoln in the Portland Park Blocks. A granite stone, noting the OLBC, was placed at the foot of the statue, first dedicated in 1928. There were several speakers at the re-dedication and a recital of Lincoln's Second Inaugural by Lincoln actor Steve Holgate.
Chelsea Deloney, Miss Black Oregon, spoke to the audience about the significance of Juneteenth.
This is what she said:
Thank you Mike.
Good afternoon everyone. It's a privilege to be here with you to honor President Abraham Lincoln on this 200th anniversary of his birth and the re-dedication of this beautiful statue.
On behalf of Portland's African-American community, I would like to tell you about a special anniversary for Black people…. Juneteenth. Today, at a community festival at Jefferson High School, hundreds of people of all races are joining in the celebration.
Across America, Juneteenth is officially recognized in more than 200 major cities.
In Texas, Juneteenth is a state holiday.
What is Juneteenth?
Although President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on September 2, 1862, it was not until June 19th, 1865 -- almost two and a half years later -- that freedom finally came to last the slaves in the State of Texas.
Juneteenth represents the joy of freedom… the chance for a new beginning. African-Americans must never forget our ancestors' endurance of slavery and surviving one of the worst tragedies in human history. Unless we reveal the truth about the African-American slave experience, America won't ever truly be free.
Every American has benefited from the wealth Black people created through more than 200 years of free labor. Juneteenth allows all of us to acknowledge that debt.
Every day in America, Black people are reminded of the legacy of slavery. Even though America has made great gains, We continue to be profiled, stereotyped and viewed suspiciously. Juneteenth remind us of the continuing struggle and of the promise of deliverance and equality.
Juneteenth allows us to reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going as a people.
Never give up hope is the legacy of our enslaved ancestors. This legacy produced Black heroism during the Civil War and helped launch the modern civil rights era that produced lasting benefits for everyone. We proclaim for all the world to hear:
"Human rights must never again become subservient to property rights".
U.S. history books have told only a small part of our story. Juneteenth gives African-Americans -- nationwide -- a chance to set the record straight. Juneteenth has come to symbolize for many African-Americans, what the Fourth of July symbolizes for all Americans… FREEDOM. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
As Miss Black Oregon, it is my honor to introduce the United States' Sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln, who will give his second inaugural address. Please join me in rousing welcome. Mr. President….
