A Juneteenth flag waves proudly during a celebration of the holiday. (USAG- Humphreys/CC BY 2.0)
This Juneteenth marks 160 years since the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas. Learn how the holiday has evolved and what Houston events to attend.
Juneteenth recognizes the day—June 19, 1865—the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, officially ending slavery in the United States. Opal Lee, a Texas native and the grandmother of Juneteenth, has tirelessly worked to raise awareness and turn Juneteenth into a federally recognized holiday.
Now, Juneteenth is celebrating 160 years. The holiday and its champions have a fascinating history, especially across the Lone Star State. Here’s how Juneteenth has evolved in Houston.
The history of Juneteenth in Houston
The country’s journey to honor Juneteenth has been quite the ride, led by five significant moments.
1865: General Order No. 3
President Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, and it went into effect on January 1, 1863. However, because Texas had fewer Union soldiers stationed there, it took 900 days for word to travel to the Lone Star State.
Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865. The order stated, in part, “The People of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
A year later, Texas freedmen organized “Jubilee Day” celebrations to commemorate the historic announcement.
1872: Creation of Emancipation Park
Though slavery had ended, southern states still had many segregated areas. Black residents were banned from certain public spaces, so in 1872, four formerly enslaved people joined forces to purchase a park. Reverends Jack Yates, Elias Dibble, Richard Brock, and Richard Allen pulled together $800 (about $21,000 in today’s money) to purchase 10 acres of land. They named the land Emancipation Park.
Initially, there wasn’t enough money to keep the park open all year long, so it was only used for Juneteenth celebrations. As community support grew, the park became a staple and was named a city park in 1918. Further renovations, including a community center, pool, and basketball pavilion, were added over the years.
You can still visit Emancipation Park today. It’s the oldest park in both the city and the entirety of Texas.
1974: Juneteenth marches
As the calendar moved into the 20th century, Juneteenth celebrations dwindled across the nation. Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation, limited some events, while many Black people were working or in school and unable to take time off to celebrate. The Great Depression didn’t help matters, either.
In 1951, Dallas hosted a “Juneteenth Jamboree” with more than 70,000 attendees. A revitalized interest continued to grow throughout the second half of the century. By 1974, Houston began hosting Juneteenth marches to celebrate the holiday. Those types of celebrations have gained steam in the following years.
1979: Texas recognizes Juneteenth
Five years later, in 1979, Texas passed House Bill 1016 to make Juneteenth an official Texas state holiday. Al Edwards, who was serving in the Texas House of Representatives, authored and sponsored the bill. Texas became the first state to recognize Juneteenth, with the recognition going into effect the following year.
Edwards was born and died in Houston. Throughout his 13-year House term, he continued to push for equality and social justice.
2021: Juneteenth named a federal holiday
Thanks largely to Opal Lee’s ongoing efforts, the Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. The House of Representatives voted 415-14 in favor of the act.
President Joe Biden signed the legislation on June 17, 2021, officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday. It’s the first federally recognized holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was passed in 1983.
5 Juneteenth events in Houston
It’s been 160 years since the abolition of slavery, and Juneteenth continues to grow throughout the country. From educational events to live performances, there are moments honoring Black culture in the past, present, and future.
Below is a taste of what’s going on throughout June. There are Juneteenth events across Houston, so you’ll find plenty of activities and celebrations.
1. Celebrate Freedom Fest
The Third Ward Cultural District is hosting the third annual Celebrate Freedom Fest to kick off the month. The free event celebrates the Black communities and cultures across Independence Heights, Fourth Ward, Third Ward, Fifth Ward, Sunnyside, Acres Homes, and South Park. In addition to highlighting Juneteenth pioneers, there’s live entertainment, a neighborhood quilt project, a drumming circle, a red foods cookoff, a spades tournament, and a whole lot more.
June 1. Emancipation Park: 3018 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004. Free.
2. Teacakes and Tours
A popular Juneteenth tradition is enjoying teacakes and red punch, and the Heritage Society is hosting a dozen different opportunities to indulge. The events include a guided tour of three houses designated as Sites of Memory by UNESCO. You’ll see the home that belonged to Reverend Jack Yates, the Fourth Ward Cottage, and the Kellum-Noble House, the oldest building still standing in Houston. Your ticket allows entry into the museum gallery.
June 7, 14, and 19. The Heritage Society Museum Gallery: 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002. Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors, $6 for youth, and free for children five and under.
3. From Plantation to Emancipation
On Juneteenth itself and every Saturday in June, actresses Kijana Wiseman and Khi Stephens are leading a signature experience tour called “From Plantation to Emancipation.” Wiseman and Stephens will reenact the journey from enslavement to freedom with songs, historical readings, and family stories. Martha Whiting-Goddard, the great-granddaughter of Jack Yates, wrote the historical script that Wiseman and Stephens will perform.
June 7, 14, 19, 21, 28. The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park: 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for youth, and free for children five and under.
4. Juneteenth Culture Fest
Hosted by the Miller Outdoor Theatre, Juneteenth Culture Fest is full of exceptional performances that blend freedom, culture, and music. This year’s performance includes a musical tribute to some Black pioneers of soul, R&B, and gospel, including Roberta Flack, Angie Stone, Luther Vandross, Johnnie Taylor, Frankie Beverly, and Tony! Toni! Toné! The Miller Outdoor Theatre is one of the best free things to do in Houston, so don’t miss out on this show.
June 13. Attendance is free for covered and lawn seating, though covered seats require a ticket.
5. Juneteenth Community Freedom Day
Blue Prolific Studios has long supported creative minds and local businesses, and its Juneteenth Community Freedom Day brings that sense of togetherness into a jubilant indoor/outdoor celebration. Support small business vendors, chow down with food from local eateries, admire fashion and artwork, and dance your heart out to music. There’s a public paint mural open to everyone, even if your art skills are as porous as mine (although I can draw a mean Ms. Pac-Man). Harris County Public Health will also be in attendance, sharing information and opportunities for free and low-cost healthcare services.
June 14. Blue Prolific Studios: 2189 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W, Suite 208, Houston, TX 77090. Tickets are free, and a VIP option is available.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
