Oregon officially recognized Juneteenth as a holiday just two years ago, and this year Ivan McClellan, who is also a photographer, is bringing a Black rodeo to Portland for the holiday that recognizes the end of slavery. Here’s a brief excerpt of that conversation; questions have been edited:
What do you remember from Juneteenth as a kid?
“The only thing that I knew about Juneteenth and why I loved it as a kid was because we drank strawberry pop and it was very exciting. During Juneteenth we [also] eat red velvet cake. Now I've learned the significance [of the holiday], and it's really taken off up here in the Pacific Northwest.”
Why did you choose Portland for the Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo?
“I don't think that Black folks would've traveled outside of the city for safety issues or convenience issues. I just didn't think that we'd be able to draw a Black crowd, and we wanted to have it on a MAX line so that everybody had access to go.
“Portland's at this crazy transition moment. Having the rodeo here where I live could have a meaningful impact to the economy, to the young people who are going to come and see these black cowboys for the first time.”
What’s one thing people should expect to see at the rodeo?
“We're doing five rodeo sports; six, including mutton busting, which is kids riding [sheep].”
McClellan has a lot more to say on Compton cowboys, Black pioneers, and the rodeo. (Ivan McClellan)
