Hundreds of people gathered in Vance Park in Gresham on Friday to celebrate Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Despite the mid-June heat, attendees came together from across the region. For many, the holiday served as a joyous reminder of the resolve among Black Americans who come together to build community, remember their history and chart a path forward.
“It feels like freedom,” said Anisa Ali, who works for a social services nonprofit. “It feels like we still have hope. We still have roots. We’re creating them for not only ourselves but for our children and the future generation.”…