2024-06: Regarding Recognizing the Intersectionality of Juneteenth and Pride and Honoring the Contributions of Women & Femmes of Color In Social Justice Movements

A RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-06
Regarding Recognizing the Intersectionality of Juneteenth and Pride and Honoring the Contributions of Women & Femmes of Color in Social Justice Movements

WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, specifically in remembrance of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced the enforcement of the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas, and

WHEREAS, Pride celebrations honor the LGBTQIA+ community’s ongoing struggle for equality and justice, tracing their roots to the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, led in large part by Black and brown transgender women such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, and

WHEREAS, the contributions of Black women and femmes in social justice movements, including but not limited to Juneteenth and Pride, have been historically overlooked and undervalued, despite their pivotal roles in organizing, advocacy, and community building, and

WHEREAS,Black women and femmes have long been at the forefront of civil rights, feminist, LGBTQIA+, and other social justice movements, fighting against racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression, and

WHEREAS, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the intersectionality of Juneteenth and Pride, acknowledging the shared struggles and resilience of Black and brown LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, and

WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Oregon is committed to promoting inclusivity, equity, and racial and social justice for all:

NOW, THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. We affirm our support for the intersectional celebration of Juneteenth and Pride, recognizing the interconnectedness of struggles for racial justice and LGBTQIA+ rights across Oregon, the nation, and the world. We honor the contributions of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially Black transgender women, in advancing social progress and liberation for ALL.

Section 2. We call upon Oregon Democrats and our communities, organizations, and institutions across the State to center the voices and experiences of Black and brown women and femmes in our collective efforts for justice and equality. We commit to amplifying their leadership, advocating for their rights, ending the risk of premature death that they and their children face at the hands of unchecked police brutality, and ensuring their full inclusion in ALL decision-making processes in public policy.

Section 3. We encourage educational initiatives, events, and programming that highlight the historic and ongoing contributions of Black women and femmes to ALL social justice movements, including but not limited to Juneteenth and Pride. We recognize the importance of storytelling and preserving our shared history to inspire future generations of activists and changemakers.

Resolution submitted by Loretta Smith, Black Caucus; Miles Pendleton, Black Caucus;  Shani Harris-Bagwell, Stonewall Caucus; Kelie McWilliams, Polk County; Michael Smith, Gun Owners Caucus