06/23/2026
I was asked to publish the Juneteenth Speech I gave at the PMS June 20th - and here it is!
Juneteenth Remarks – Portland Middle School – June 20th 2026
Thank you, Reverend Barbara Roane, and good afternoon everyone.
Thank you for inviting me to speak today as we recognize Juneteenth—a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward equality.
But I want to begin with something honest.
Sometimes days like this can feel complicated.
We live in a time where people argue constantly—online, on television, even at dinner tables. People are quick to label each other. Quick to assume the worst. Quick to retreat into teams and corners.
And for many of us, that can feel exhausting.
Whether you're a student, a parent, a teacher, a retiree, a business owner, or someone simply trying to do your best each day, it can sometimes feel like outrage spreads faster than kindness. Division gets more attention than understanding. People are often rewarded for being loud instead of thoughtful.
Yet every day, ordinary people continue to show up for one another—and that's what gives me hope.
Because here's what I believe—stubbornly, deeply, absolutely believe:
Most people are still good and will do the right thing – whether people are watching or not
Most people still want to belong.
Most people still want to feel respected.
Most people still want their town, their school, their workplace, their community, and their country to be better than they are today.
And that matters.
Because Juneteenth is not just about remembering a moment in history—and you'll hear more about that today from our wonderful speakers and guests.
It's about remembering what human beings are capable of when we refuse to give up on the idea that things can improve.
Freedom did not arrive all at once.
Justice did not arrive all at once.
Progress never does.
It happens because ordinary people decide to keep moving society forward—one conversation, one action, one act of courage at a time.
And honestly? That's where all of us come in.
None of us has to solve every national problem.
None of us has to win every argument.
None of us can change the entire world overnight.
But each of us can make a difference in the places where we live, work, learn, worship, volunteer, and spend our time.
We can decide how we treat people.
We can decide whether someone feels invisible or welcomed.
We can decide whether a neighbor, coworker, student, customer, friend, or stranger feels respected and valued.
We can decide whether disagreements become hateful… or respectful.
We can decide whether we contribute more anger to the world… or more understanding.
That may sound small.
It isn't.
Because small things are big things.
Communities are not built by speeches.
They are built by actions and interactions.
One person at a time.
One relationship at a time.
One moment of decency at a time.
That's how a town becomes stronger.
And I've seen that spirit right here in Portland.
I've seen students volunteer when nobody asked them to.
I've seen neighbors help neighbors after storms.
I've seen teachers, coaches, first responders, clergy members, business owners, and volunteers go above and beyond because they care about others.
I've seen young people stand up for classmates who were struggling, and I've seen older generations quietly mentor, encourage, and support those coming behind them.
That is community.
This is our community.
Not perfection.
Not politics.
People choosing each other.
And I think sometimes we underestimate how powerful that is.
There's a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. that says:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that."
"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that"
That's not just poetry.
That's instruction.
If the world feels angry—be calmer.
If the world feels cruel—be kinder.
If the world feels divided—be someone who listens.
Not weakly.
Not passively.
But intentionally.
Because strength is not tearing people down.
Strength is having the confidence to build something better.
Juneteenth reminds us that history can bend toward justice—but only when people are willing to push it there.
That responsibility belongs to every generation.
And there's still work to do.
Each generation inherits both the progress and the unfinished work of those who came before them. Our responsibility is to continue moving forward together.
And despite all the noise in the world right now, I am incredibly hopeful about that.
I really am.
I believe people are more compassionate, generous, and caring than we often give one another credit for.
Every generation has something valuable to contribute.
Every person has the ability to make a positive difference.
We care about fairness.
We care about opportunity.
We care about dignity.
We care about making sure people feel seen and valued.
That gives me hope.
Will we get everything right?
Of course not.
None of us do.
But if we keep showing up for one another...
If we keep choosing empathy over cruelty...
If we keep believing that small acts matter...
Then this town, this state, and this country are going to be okay.
More than okay.
Better.
So today, as we honor Juneteenth, let's remember both the pain of the past and the possibility of the future.
And let's commit ourselves to something simple but powerful:
To leave every classroom, every workplace, every neighborhood, every place of worship, every organization, every conversation, and every community a little better than we found it.
One person.
One interaction.
One act of hope at a time.
Thank you.
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