HOUSTON – The Juneteenth holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, the date when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, effectively enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation.
Although President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation had officially outlawed slavery in Confederate states two and a half years earlier, the lack of Union troops in Texas meant that enforcement had been slow and inconsistent.
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Juneteenth also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day marks a pivotal moment in American history, symbolizing the triumph of freedom over oppression and the enduring struggle for civil rights.
Below is a list of events you and your family can attend to celebrate freedom:
Galveston
Juneteenth Lecture with Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Joy Sewing
Thursday, June 20
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Free with Reservation
Did You Know? Juneteenth Presentation by Galveston Historical Foundation
2328 Broadway Ave Galveston, Texas 77550
1859 Ashton Villa + Virtual Stream
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
JUNETEENTH: THE GALVESTON STORY IN THE MG 3D THEATER
1 Hope Blvd Galveston, Texas 77554
June 16 & 19, 2024 Showtimes: 12:45p, 4:00p | 45 mins
45TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH PROCLAMATION READING
Ashton Villa Ballroom 2328 Broadway Galveston, Texas 77550
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
AN EVENING WITH BERNARD AND SHIRLEY KINSEY
Rosenberg Library Trustees Hall (4th Floor)
2310 Sealy St Galveston, Texas 77550
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
2013 Broadway Avenue Galveston, Texas 77550
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Houston
Friday, June 21 - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Third Ward Financial Center
3432 Scott Street
Honeycomb Juneteenth Celebration
Wednesday, June 19 - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
4825 Almeda Road Houston, TX 77004
ACRES HOMES FOURTH ANNUAL CULTURAL ART FESTIVAL
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - 4:30 PM 9:00 PM
6112 Wheatley Street Houston, TX, 77091United States
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Saturday, June 22, 2024 - 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
6003 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77007
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
La Porte
Block Party
Friday, June 21, 5-9pm
Join us at the Jennie Riley Community Center and the surrounding block for food trucks, music, social time, and the new Old School versus New School Basketball game at the Charles Walker Basketball Court. Sign up to play in the basketball game!
Community Lunch
Saturday, June 22, 11:30am-12:30pm
Join the La Porte Community Civic Club for a FREE community lunch prepared by Barlow’s Touch of Taste at Five Points Plaza.
Scholarship Pageant
Saturday, June 22, 1pm
The pageant will be held at the Jennie Riley Community Center. There are two categories: Ages 14-18 (King & Queen) and Ages 5-13 (Prince & Princess).
Grand Parade
Saturday, June 22, 3pm
We are kicking off the Street Festival with a Grand Parade down Broadway, from Fairmont to A St! Sign up to participate in the parade today!
Celebration
Saturday, June 22, 4-9pm
Join us for the biggest Juneteenth Street Festival La Porte has ever seen. We are shutting down Broadway between A St and Main and bringing in the big stage! Live music will be filling the streets featuring The Unyt Band and Brian Jack & the Zydeco Masters. There will also be vendors, food trucks, and a FREE kid’s zone. Don’t miss this ultimate Juneteenth Celebration. RSVP on Facebook and let your friends know you’re coming!
Church Service
Sunday, June 23, 3pm
The 2024 Juneteenth Church Service will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 222 N 4th Street, La Porte, TX 77571.