The State Theatre & Coded by Young Women of Color (CYWOC), a Portland-based non-profit that educates young Women of Color in emerging tech, are excited to announce their upcoming event, Juneteenth! at the State Theatre. The performance will stream from the State Theatre’s Facebook page and directly to The Gem on Saturday, June 19th at 8:00 pm. Join us!

Juneteenth is an important holiday in the Black community, marking the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached rural Texas – two years after Abraham Lincoln’s announcement. CYWOC founder Janay Woodruff, who also performs as Janaesound, organized the event for the first time last year in the early days of the pandemic and amid global Black Lives Matter protests that demanded justice for the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black men and women at the hands of police. Woodruff wanted to showcase the talent of local Black musicians while raising money for organizations that empower Portland’s Black Community.

“We are so grateful to everyone who tuned in last year and donated what they could to support Portland’s Black Community –– I was blown away by the response, and I felt hope for the first time in a long time,” said Woodruff. She says she’s excited for year two: “It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we all come together.”

This year’s event will include performances by Black musicians and performers: Janaesound, Mosart212, Ali Ali, and Rodney Mashia.