How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Houston, Galveston in 2024 – Houston Public Media

Juneteenth marks the day slaves received news of their freedom, June 19, 1865, almost two years after they were emancipated by President Abraham Lincoln. Union troops arrived at Galveston Bay and read General Order No. 3, which informed the people of Texas that all slaves were free. News of their freedom then spread in the West.

Juneteenth has since become a national holiday that people celebrate with meals, parades and commemorative ceremonies. Here’s how to celebrate Juneteenth this year in Houston and Galveston.

June 15

Emancipation Park Freedom Walk and Run and Musical Celebration | 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 3018 Emancipation Avenue Houston, Texas 77004

The second annual Freedom Walk And Run invites Houstonians of all fitness levels to improve their health while giving back to the community in honor of Juneteenth. Profits will be donated to park initiatives. After the walk and run, the Juneteenth musical celebration begins at 4 p.m. and will feature the Juneteenth Community Gospel Choir and other artists.

Registration is free for both events. More information on the Walk and run for freedom And celebration of music can be viewed on the park’s website.

Acres Home Juneteenth Parade and Jubilee Festival | 10:00 a.m. to 6719 West Montgomery Road Houston, Texas 77091

Former Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Black Heritage Society, Inc. invite Houstonians to celebrate Juneteenth in the Acres Home community. The parade begins at the Acres Home Multipurpose Center, where participants will march toward Greater Zion Mission Church. After the parade, the Juneteenth Jubilee Festival will feature family activities with food trucks, music and a voter registration booth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fifth Ward Multipurpose Center.

Participation is free. Event organizers recommend bringing lawn chairs and liquids. Additional information can be found on the event web page.

Juneteenth at Olivewood Cemetery | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 1300 Court St. Houston, Texas, 77007

Olivewood descendants are inviting community members to clean up and leave red flowers in Olivewood Cemetery, where hundreds of living people are buried on Juneteenth.

Participation is free.

Galveston Juneteenth Parade and Picnic | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 2601 Avenue H, Galveston, Texas 77550

The annual historic parade goes down Avenue H, starting at 26th Street and ending at 41st Street. At 2 p.m., a picnic will immediately follow at Wright Cuney Park.

More information can be found on the event web page.

Eighteenth Heritage Park Program | 9:30 a.m. to noon at 1100 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas 77002

The program starts with the J.onetenth Freedmen’s Town Bike Riders passing by the Yates House – a home built by the Rev. John Henry “Jack” Yates, an emancipated slave and minister – during their 20-mile journey. The rest of the morning will consist of several speeches, a gospel choir, a snack and a reading of General Order No. 3.

Participation is free. More information can be found on the event web page.

BLCK Market Eighteenth Month Cultural Festival | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1201 Main Street #Suite 101 Houston, TX 77002

Support more than 100 Black-owned businesses at BLCK Market Houston’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, June 15-17. The event will also feature an art gallery, food trucks and live music from local artists playing Black American music.

Participation is free. More information can be found on the event web page.

Juneteenth celebration at Parc Génération | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Redemption Square, Assay Street Houston, TX, 77044

The annual event features a concert, local artwork, and local food and craft vendors. The event aims to honor the contributions of African Americans to American music, food, art, business and culture.

Participation is free. More information can be found on the event web page.

June 16

Discovery Green and Houston Avenue Cultural Festival | 4 p.m.-9 p.m. at 1500 McKinney Houston, Texas 77010

Events will feature live music, DJs, BLCK Market vendors, fireworks and more. Discovery Green will offer exercises such as yoga and Pilates, as well as games such as laser tag, soccer and more. The Discovery Green concerts will begin at 4:15 p.m. with seven performances, and Avenida Houston will feature live radio talks.

More information can be found on the event web page.

June 19

Reading Galveston’s Annual Juneteenth Proclamation | 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at 2328 Broadway, Galveston, Texas 77550

Local officials and family members will honor Al Edwards, author of the bill that made Juneteenth a Texas holiday in 1979. Event attendees will read General Order No. 3.

Participation is free. More information can be found on the event web page.

Galveston Emancipation March | 5:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at 2013 Broadway Avenue, Galveston, Texas 77550

The Emancipation March to the Galveston Courthouse will reenact the reading of General Order No. 3. After the Buffalo Soldiers read the order, participants will march to Reedy Chapel, the church that is the “birthplace of Juneteenth”. The annual celebration of this declaration among African Americans continues today on the Juneteenth holiday. and continue emancipation services. Before the march, Reedy Chapel will also host a celebration with a bounce house, food vendors, photo booth and face painting from 1 to 6 p.m.

More information can be found on the event web page.

Freedmen’s Town Juneteenth High Bribe | 4-8 p.m. at 1204 Victor Street, Houston, Texas 77019

The Freedmen’s Town Welcome Center is hosting a celebration of freedom with African diaspora cuisine, dance performances, educational activities, live music, an art exhibit and more. The visitor center open earlier this month, after more than six years in development, and it aims to invite more people to Freedmen’s Town, a settlement built by former slaves after being told of their freedom.

More information can be found on the Visitor center Facebook page.

Emancipation Park Juneteenth Family Fun Day |10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3018 Emancipation Avenue Houston, TX 77004

This family-friendly event will feature vendor markets, food trucks, a live DJ and a mobile game truck.

Participation is free. More information can be found on the event web page.