The Juneteenth holiday (Thursday, June 19) marks the end of slavery in the US and combines the words "June" and "nineteenth." It honors the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas were freed by order of Major General Gordon Granger, after the Civil War. Slavery had already ended in many places, and most enslaved people were freed by June 1865. The Thirteenth Amendment, officially abolishing slavery nationwide, was ratified in December 1865.
Juneteenth offers an important opportunity for emergency management professionals to reflect on how historical injustices have shaped present-day disparities in disaster response and recovery. Many marginalized communities, including Black communities, have faced disproportionate impacts from emergencies due to systemic inequities in housing, infrastructure and access to resources.
Emergency Management Considerations for Juneteenth:
- Addressing Disaster Disparities: Historical underinvestment in certain communities, and practices such as “red lining”, making them more vulnerable to emergencies. Recognizing these patterns allows emergency managers to develop equitable response strategies.
- Enhancing Community Engagement: Building trust with Black communities ensures emergency plans are inclusive and meet the needs of all residents. Involving local organizations in preparedness efforts can strengthen resilience. Encouraging members to become Be2Weeks Ready program coordinators and attending community events.
- Ensuring Equitable Recovery: Recovery efforts must be designed to support all populations fairly, ensuring that Black communities receive the resources needed to rebuild after disasters.
Honoring Juneteenth in emergency management means committing to equitable preparedness, response, and recovery strategies that serve all communities effectively.
For more information about Juneteenth events in Oregon, visit the Oregon Black Pioneers Juneteenth page.
Additional Resources:
- More information on inequitable land use planning practices in Portland
- Information on “red lining” practice and present-day climate related heat risks in Oregon
If you have questions of concerns about equity issues or challenges, or OEM’s efforts to engage with underserved communities, please visit the OEM IDEA page or contact OEM IDEA Coordinator Natasha Fox.
It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.
