Celebrate Juneteenth with these events in Galveston and Houston area

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Thursday, June 17, 2021
What is Juneteenth? History behind holiday celebrating the end of slavery
Here's a look at the history behind Juneteenth and the significance of the holiday today.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Galveston is known as the birth place of Juneteenth, when federal troops arrived on the island in 1865 to announce and enforce the emancipation of slaves.



The city will play a huge role in celebrations this Saturday, especially after a unanimous vote to establish Juneteenth as a city holiday.



But Galveston isn't the only place to find free festivities, whether you're looking for family-friendly events or plan to hang out with friends.



Before you head out, check this list to see where you can learn about the history of Juneteenth and ensure that it's never forgotten.



Galveston



156th Galveston Juneteenth Celebration


42nd Annual Al Edwards' Celebration


10 a.m.


Ashton Villa, 2310 Broadway


Event is free and open to the public.



Galveston Island


Juneteenth Festival


Kermit Courville Field


1429 27th Street


2 p.m. to 7 p.m.


This is a family-friendly celebration of freedom.



Emancipation Processional Re-enactment


Old Galveston Courthouse


19th and Winnie to Reedy Chapel AME Church, 21st and Broadway


6 p.m.


Marchers may gather at Reedy at 5:45 to walk over to the courthouse together, or they may choose to meet at the courthouse at 6 p.m. The march route is about 3 1/2 blocks.



Juneteenth Legacy Project events



"Absolute Equality" public art installation dedication with artist Reginald C. Adams and commissioned by the Juneteenth Legacy Project


22nd Street and Strand



History fair: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Drum-call by Curt Gillins: 10:30 a.m.


Violinist Bruce Kirkwood, 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.


Public art installation: 11:30 a.m.


B. Cole & The Zydeco Bulls: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.



Juneteenth parade


Begins at 26th and Ball and ends at 41st and Ball


1 p.m.



History, Slavery and Emancipation: A Conversation on Juneteenth


The Grand 1894 Opera House located at 2020 Postoffice


Limited seating. Tickets are available on the opera house website.


4 p.m.



Juneteenth fireworks


29th and Seawall


8:30 p.m.



READ MORE: Galveston City Council establishes Juneteenth as city holiday in unanimous vote



Missouri City



18th annual "One Mile of Smiles" parade


2440 Texas Parkway



7 p.m.


Free



17th annual concert in the park


Hunters Glen Park


1340 Independence Blvd.


7 p.m.


Free



Miller Outdoor Theater



A Gulf Coast Juneteenth featuring Bobby Rush


8:30 p.m.


Tickets are available now.


Capacity will be limited due to social distancing.



Fort Bend Black Heritage Society



BBQ Cook-off on Friday, June 18


Kendleton Park-N-Ride at corner of 2919 and Willie Melton Boulevard


Entry fee: $25



Saturday, June 19


Parade line-up at 9 a.m.


Bring your own lawn chairs - 541 & 2919 to the park



Festival at Bates Allen Park


630 Charlie Roberts Rd.


Kendleton, Texas 77451


Live entertainment featuring the Endurance Gospel Quartet and DJ 45 South



BLCK Market and Buffalo Soldiers National Museum



This second annual celebration will take place at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum at 3816 Caroline St.


1 p.m. to 5 p.m.


Kids 12 and under are free.



Emancipation Park Conservancy



Emancipation Park's 149th annual Juneteenth celebration


Events are planned throughout the week leading up to Saturday. Head to the Emancipation Park website for the full calendar.



Children's Museum of Houston Juneteenth Celebration



The Children's Museum of Houston will celebrate and honor the historic day with a series of events starting at 10 a.m.



  • DJ Ryan Line Dancing: Feel the beat and move your feet during our interactive dance sessions.
  • Vascola Stoney Spoken Word Poetry Workshop and Performance: Tap into the heart of yourself and others as you partake in a thought-provoking workshop while learning about Juneteenth.

  • Joy of Djembe African Drumming: Immerse yourself in rhythm and passion with the heart pounding beats of this interactive musical performance.
  • African Story Time: Learn about the history of Juneteenth and African legends and mythology.
  • Noisemakers with Juneteenth Colors: Make your voice heard while designing your very own noisemaker.
  • Chalk Art: Create inspiring and memorable artwork.


Virtual



Reedy Chapel Virtual Program


Online


Featuring interviews with: Sam Collins, initiator of the Juneteenth Legacy Project, Reginald Adams, principle artist of the mural "Absolute Equality," Opal Lee - tireless champion for a Juneteenth national holiday, and musical performance by contemporary violinist Dominique Hammons.



READ MORE ON OPAL LEE: 93-year-old Texas woman starts petition to make Juneteenth national holiday



Get more great content in our Juneteenth collection, watch live newscasts and experience in-depth reporting from ABC13 on your favorite streaming devices, like Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and GoogleTV. Just search "ABC13 Houston."


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