Happy Juneteenth! Also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Black Independence Day, and Freedom Day
What's Juneteenth, you ask?
On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger and his soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX, declaring, per General Order No. 3, that the war was over, and all slaves were free. Saying in part:
"The people are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."
General Granger brought the news to Galveston, TX, a whole two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Some say a messenger was killed en route to deliver the information. Others say the delay was intentional in an attempt to retain people as property.
And so, Juneteenth commemorates the date the last slaves were freed. June 19, 1865.
How to Recognize Juneteenth in 2022?
According to Juneteenth.com, early Juneteenth celebrations consisted of family gatherings and prayers and later included pilgrimages yearly to Galveston by the previously enslaved people and their family members.
In 1872, some African American businessmen and clergy in Houston created Emancipation Park, intending to use it for an annual Juneteenth celebration.
In the present day, you can find Juneteenth events in most major cities, but none of them rise to the epic level of the celebrations in Texas.
Here are 5 Amazing Juneteenth Events in Texas
City of Beaumont Juneteenth Celebration
As a city with one of the largest African American populations, Beaumont's Juneteenth celebrations are second to none. The Juneteenth Celebration, held on Main St. in downtown Beaumont gives people the chance to show off their barbeque skills and see who makes the town's best turkey, pork ribs, and chicken. Those who don't want to participate in the cooking, can surely benefit from the tasting, as they fill up a solid plate, devour food, vibe to good music, and enjoy the beautiful fireworks.
The Galveston Story at MG 3D Theater
Watch an informative documentary featuring a story about this historic day as narrated by the family members of those who were present in 1865 and many other well-known Galveston community members. The show timings are 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 6:40 pm.
BLCK Market's Juneteenth Celebration at East River.
There's no better way to honor and celebrate this day than to shop black and sow into the community that lost so much. In Houston, TX, more than 100 Black entrepreneurs and small businesses will be a part of the BLCK Market’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festivity, presenting their products and services accompanied by food trucks and live music from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Juneteenth Night Light Bike Ride, Houston, TX
Illuminated by Led lights, take a leisurely cruise through Houston at night. Bring your bike or rent one; either way, you'll have a good time. The festivities begin at 7 pm on... Emancipation Blvd.
Juneteenth Museum Christening & Reenactment of Order No 3 Reading
Perhaps the most notable event allows you to witness history while recognizing and learning about it. Visit the soon-to-be Juneteenth Museum in Galveston, TX. Watch a reenactment of this special day and hear about the plans for the museum, boutique hotel, and event center, scheduled to open in June 2023.
You can still join in on the celebration if you're not in the Texas area. Check Eventbrite, Facebook events, or your local newspaper to find events in your area. The most important thing is to acknowledge, educate, and commemorate this historic day.