Celebrate Black History Month 2026 and the Hometown Hero Awards Gala With Us

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH US

Join us in honoring six extraordinary Hometown Heroes - community changemakers who are igniting progress and transforming our city through leadership, innovation, and service.

At a time when it’s more important than ever to preserve truth and celebrate heritage, we come together to honor the enduring legacy and vital contributions of Black Americans - past and present - whose courage, creativity, and leadership continue to shape our nation.

We’re thrilled to announce that Mr. Damian Lillard, NBA All-Star, philanthropist, and Portland Trail Blazer icon, will be present to accept his Hometown Hero Award in person! Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime moment to honor his legacy and celebrate alongside some of Oregon’s most inspiring changemakers.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE CELEBRATION

A refined, cocktail-attire evening, opening with a prayer, the Black National Anthem, a Color Guard flag tribute, and a cultural performance. The program continues with a brief Black History presentation on York, an enslaved Black explorer whose skill, diplomacy and endurance were vital to the Lewis & Clark journey and helped shape early Oregon. The Inaugural Hometown Hero Awards, a youth reflection, and a unifying Legacy Walk, paired with a seated, catered dinner.

ABOUT JUNETEENTH OREGON

Juneteenth Oregon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has led Oregon’s official Juneteenth celebration for 50+ years. Founded by the late Clara Peoples, who introduced Juneteenth to Oregon in 1945, we commemorate June 19, 1865.

When enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

A wartime presidential proclamation and executive order. Juneteenth marks the enforcement of emancipation in Texas and sparked a national reckoning that culminated in December 1865 with the ratification of the 13th Amendment. Abolishing slavery across the United States; its living legacy continues through our festivals, youth programs, and year-round initiatives.

BECOME A SPONSOR

Partner with us to make this historic celebration possible.
Your sponsorship helps amplify voices, empower community impact, and ensure that the legacy of Black excellence continues to shine brightly for generations to come.

Damian Lillard

Point Guard, Portland Trail Blazers

We are honored Mr. Lillard will accept his prestigious award in person.

“Our Featured” Hometown Hero Honoree

HONOREES

Pastor Renee Ward

Civic leader and faith-based coalition builder

Matthew Essieh

President and CEO of EAI Information Systems

Tiffany Dempsey

Kairos PDX Director of Community Relations,

Community Outreach, and HBCU Connections 

Gwendolyn Worthy

National Association for BlackVeterans

                   Region 1 Commander                  

Shannon Olive (posthumous)

Community Organizer/Program & Service Provider

Founder of WomenFirst Transition and Referral Center

Juneteenth Oregon invites individuals, businesses, and organizations

to stand with us as sponsors of this momentous celebration.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Presenting Level

  • $20,000 Exclusive Recognition as Presenting Sponsor:

  • Name/logo featured prominently on all event materials, press releases, and media promotions

  • Speaking opportunity during the main event program

  • Premium banner placement and on-stage acknowledgment

  • Inclusion in all pre/post event publicity and recap video

  • One VIP table with preferred front-row seating (8 guests)

Diversity Level

  • $10,000 Champion of Cultural Awareness:

  • Name/logo featured on all event materials, press releases, and media promotions

  • Verbal acknowledgment during event program

  • Sponsor spotlight on social media channels

  • One VIP table with preferred front-row seating (8 guests)

Equity Level

  • $7,500 Advocate for Access and Opportunity:

  • Name/logo featured on all press releases, and media promotions

  • Recognition in official event program

  • One reserved VIP table (8 guests)

Inclusion Level

  • $5,000 Supporter of Representation and Community:

  • Logo listed on event website and program

  • Recognition during community thank-you announcement

  • One reserved table (8 guests)

Community Supporter

  • $2,500 Friend of the Movement:

  • Name listed in event program

  • One reserved table (8 guests)

JOIN US - RESERVE YOUR TABLE TODAY!

Please make your check payable to: Juneteenth Oregon BHM Event

Send payments to: Juneteenth Oregon 

PO BOX 2232 

Fairview, OR  97024

With gratitude to every partner who helps keep Black excellence alive and thriving.