Celebrating Juneteenth
As we embrace the arrival of June, a month filled with historical significance and heartfelt celebrations, we find ourselves reflecting on the interconnectedness of Juneteenth and the journey of homeownership. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of our community in the face of adversity.
At Taking Ownership PDX, we honor Juneteenth not just as a day of remembrance but as a call to action. We recognize that the path to true freedom often begins with the keys to one's own home. Homeownership represents stability, empowerment, and the ability to shape one's destiny. It is a tangible symbol of progress and a testament to the enduring spirit of our ancestors who fought for justice and equity.
On Juneteenth, I celebrate this day by taking time to not only reflect on what the significance of Juneteenth means for me and our community, but I also like to show my support to Black-owned businesses and vendors by purchasing items from them, supporting other organizations working towards strengthening the Black community, and attending local events.
Juneteenth is also special to me, because when I worked at Portland YouthBuilders, I lobbied to make Juneteenth a day off for employees - before it was recognized as a Federal holiday. I was successful in achieving this goal, and today, I feel happy and proud to see the day recognized nationally.
As you take time to reflect about Juneteenth, we also encourage you to support Black-owned businesses and organizations, or consider making a financial contribution to Taking Ownership PDX on our website. Your contribution will help us continue our vital work in the Black community.
Taking Ownership PDX at Lake Oswego's 2024 Juneteenth Event
Taking Ownership PDX is excited to share that we will have a table at Lake Oswego's 2024 Juneteenth event on Sunday, June 16, from 11 am to 2 pm at Millennium Plaza Park. Join the City of Lake Oswego and Respond to Racism to commemorate the end of slavery with a community celebration honoring this historic day. Guests can visit nonprofit booths like ours, along with food vendors, artisans, and more. We look forward to celebrating with you and sharing more about our mission and community impact.
Partnerships & Strengthening Community Impact
Taking Ownership PDX is excited to announce that we are now part of the Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR) cohort. This prestigious organizational development cohort empowers us to engage in specialized workshops and receive guidance from esteemed professionals in areas such as operations, marketing, and fundraising. Being part of this cohort not only enhances our capacity to serve the community but also provides invaluable resources and support to drive our mission forward. The BUF-OR is dedicated to fostering the social and economic growth of Oregon's underserved communities and enhancing the understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity.
New Grants to Empower Black Homeowners
We're excited to share that Taking Ownership PDX was recently a $150,000 grant from Reimagine Oregon and Prosper Portland's Economic Opportunity Investment Fund. This substantial contribution will further our mission and amplify our efforts in making lasting, positive changes within our community. Thank you to all our supporters and partners for believing in and backing our vision. Together, we are building a brighter future.
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that we were awarded two grants from the Oregon Community Foundation, totaling $39,000! This generous support will significantly help us achieve our goals of empowering Black homeowners, preserving homes, and fostering strong communities. We are incredibly grateful for this funding and look forward to the positive impact it will enable us to make.
A huge thank you to all our donors!
As we continue our journey together, let us embrace the spirit of Juneteenth, celebrate the love and wisdom of fatherhood, and work hand in hand towards a brighter future for all. In the spirit of this meaningful day, we invite you to consider donating to Taking Ownership PDX to support our mission of empowering our community and creating lasting change.
Sincerely,
Randal Wyatt
Founder of Taking Ownership PDX
