It’s a special week for the state of Texas.
This Thursday will be the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of Juneteenth— a national celebration that marks the end of slavery in the last of the Confederate states. The celebration was born on Galveston Island, June 19th 1865, as Texas slaves rejoiced upon hearing the news of their freedom. Last year, the state of Texas dedicated an historical marker in Galveston to highlight the important history that occurred on the island.
The holiday has important significance across the state of Texas as well. Former slaves actually pooled money together to purchase land specifically for Juneteenth celebration, including Emancipation Park in Houston’s Third Ward, the former Emancipation Park in Austin and Booker T. Washington Park in Mexia.
While festivities in Galveston having already begun, most areas of the state will be hosting events this coming week. If you can, look up Juneteenth information for community and be a part of the fun.
The Juneteenth commemorative statue at Ashton Villa– Galveston, Texas.
Here’s information for selected Juneteenth celebrations around Texas…
Austin– Juneteenth Central Texas
Houston Area Juneteenth Celebrations (note some cancelled due to threat of severe weather)
Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration
Fort Worth Juneteenth Freedom Fest
El Paso Juneteenth in the Park
Juneteenth Association of Tyler