Image: Playing Child Image: Historical Actor Playing Harriet Tubman Image: St. Representative Al Edwards Image: Mr. & Mrs. Guidry playing the historial role of the Stringfellows Image: Smiling girl at the park.

Downloads

2009 Juneteenth Poster

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2009 Juneteenth Brochure

2009 Juneteenth Celebration Brochure

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The History of Juneteenth

Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued with an effective date of January 1, 1863, it had minimal effect on most slaves’ day-to-day lives in states under Confederate control. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves. Granger read the contents of “General Order No. 3.” That day has since become known as Juneteenth. Former slaves in Galveston rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations. Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year. Across many parts of the South, freed people pooled their funds to purchase land specifically for their communities’ increasingly large Juneteenth gatherings. Juneteenth celebrations are now held nationwide and include a wide range of festivities, such as parades, street fairs, cookouts, and parties. In 1980 Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas. As of June 2008, 29 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as either a state holiday or observance.

Galveston Juneteenth Coalition

The Galveston Juneteenth Coalition was organized in January of 2002 at Old Central Cultural Center. Mr. Douglas Matthews and Mr. Ennis Williams, Jr. came up with the bright idea to coordinate all activities being sponsored during the Juneteenth Celebration.

With the help of Danny Allen, Chairman of the City Park Board of Trustees at that time, they were able to secure $50,000 over two years as “seed money” to enhance and promote the Juneteenth Coalition Events. The founding members were Douglas Matthews, Ennis Williams, Maggie Williams, Annie Mae Charles, Dorothy Brown, Leon Phillips, Barbara Gordon, Anna Fields, and Jarma Shabazz. The present chairpersons are Ennis and Maggie Williams. The Coalition is under the umbrella of Old Central Cultural Center.

Contact

Galveston Juneteenth Coalition
2627 Avenue M, Galveston, Texas 77550

Ennis Williams Jr. (409) 392-1426

For more information on Galveston’s Junteenth Celebration contact the Galveston Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free (888) 425-4753 or visit
www.GalvestonCVB.com

Supported by the City of Galveston and The Arts & Preservation Committee

 

Saturday – June 13, 2009

4th Annual Juneteenth Stringfellow Orchards Family Day in Hitchcock

Time: 1p.m. – 5p.m.

Location: 7902 State Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX 77563

Contact: Samuel and Doris Collins III (409) 256-3822

Bring your families out to celebrate Juneteenth under the historic oak trees at Stringfellow Orchards in Hitchcock. Activities for the day include: Moonwalks for the children, Dominoe tournament, dramatic skits by Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux, songs by Advance Praze and more. Historic Lorraine Crosby School teachers and students will reunite for a day filled with memories from back in the day. Educate to Elevate. We hope to see you there.

10th Annual Saint Vincent’s House Gospel by The Sea

Time: 6p.m.

Tickets: $75.00 VIP / $55.00 Reserved $30.00 General Admission

Location: Moody Gardens 400 Hope Blvd., Galveston TX

Contact: Call (409) 683-4186 or moodytickets.com. For more information call Micheal Jackson at (409) 763-8521

Please join St Vincent’s House for the annual kick-off concert for Galveston’s Juneteenth Celebration. The concert will feature the Praise Vocals of James Fortune and headliner Grammy and Stellar Award Winner Yolanda Adams.

Sunday – June 14, 2009

17th Annual Juneteenth Development Corporation Scholarship Gala

Time: 7:00p.m.

Tickets: Adults $15 / Children $7.50

Location: Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Avenue M Galveston, TX 77550

Contact: Dorothy Brown (409) 762-0063 and Archie Ruth DeClout (409) 765-6120

Young ladies ages 17–22 will compete for scholarships and prizes. The first place winner will be crowned Miss Juneteenth Ambassador. Contestants will be judged on an oral presentation of her goals and aspirations; a creative rendition of her talent; formal wear and a question and answer session.

June 14–16, 2009

Nia Culture Center Youth African-American Heritage Exhibits

Time: 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m.

Location: Old Central Cultural Center at 2627 Ave M, Galveston, TX 77550

Contact: Ruth Ouzenne (409) 765-7086

Local youth will display Juneteenth posters and artifacts.

Tuesday – June 16, 2009

13th Annual Al Edwards Juneteenth Banquet

Time: 7:00p.m.

Tickets: $25.00

Location: Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Avenue M Galveston, TX 77550

Contact: Ennis Williams (409) 392-1426

The state theme “Come on Home Where It All Began” highlights the history of Juneteenth and its importance to our heritage. The Banquet speaker will be Dr. C. G. Langham, graduate of Central High School, Class of 1962. Sponsorships are available at $300, $500, $1,000. Proceeds will benefit the Old Central Cultural Center.

Thursday – June 18, 2009

7th Annual Underground Railroad

Time: 8:30a.m. – 3:30p.m.

Location: Garten Verein Pavilion & Kempner Park at 27th and Avenue O Galveston, TX

Contact: Tommie Boudreaux (409) 740-0454 and Denise Alexander (409) 765-7834

The African-American Heritage Committee and the Education Committee of the Galveston Historical Foundation proudly presents “The Making of an Underground Railroad: From Slavery to Freedom.” This day of activities will acquaint students 8–12 years of age with challenges Blacks faced to escape from slavery to freedom. Two Galveston professional musicians will be new to our program this year. Mr. Curt Gillins featuring “Magic of the Drums” will present an interactive history of African drums. Mrs. June V. Pulliam will teach students songs of that time to be sung Friday morning, June 19th at Ashton Villa.

Friday – June 19, 2009

30th Annual Emancipation Proclamation Reading and Prayer Breakfast

Time: 8:30a.m.

Location: Ashton Villa 2300 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Contact: Douglas Matthews (409) 747-2912

The Emancipation Proclamation will be read to commemorate the historic event that occurred in Galveston on June 19, 1865, two years after it was enacted in 1863. Galveston holds the distinction of being the place of the first reading of the Proclamation in the South. Texas State Representative Al Edwards sponsored two legislative bills establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday and providing for statues in Galveston and at the state capital in Austin. Breakfast after the program has been donated by Landry’s/San Luis Resort and is free to the public.

Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Parade

Time: 11:00a.m.

Location: 25th and Ball to the New Wright Cuney Park at 41st and Ball

Contact: Leon Phillips (409) 762-7777 and Barbara Gordon (409) 599-8050 and Jaz Shabazz (409) 599-0155

Marching bands, drill teams, decorated cars and high kicking performers from Galveston, Houston, Dallas and other areas will excite the crowds along the route. Beautiful horse driven carriages will also be featured. To participate in the parade please contact persons listed above. Proof of auto liability insurance is required before the event.

Annual Annie Mae Charles Juneteenth Jubilee Picnic

Time: After the Parade

Location: Wright Cuney Park at 41st and Ball
Galveston, TX 77550

Contact: Barbara Gordon (409) 599-8050 and Anna Fields (409) 526-6193

The picnic will begin after the completion of the Juneteenth Parade. Complimentary refreshments will be provided as well as music and activities for the entire family. A special program including the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation will begin at 2:00p.m. The picnic is free to the public.

10th Annual Mount Olive Gospel Explosion

Time: 5:00–9:00 p.m.

Location: Back Parking Lot at Mount Olive Baptist Church 3602 Avenue H, Galveston, TX 77550

Contact: Rev. Peter and Quinnette James (409) 762-0088

The Gospel Explosion is a spiritual event hosted by Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Bring the entire family to join in the festivities and listen to great gospel music, soloist, and praise dancers. Prayers will be offered for our soldiers and others. Vendors will be available as well as activities for young children. If you are interested in participating please contact the persons listed above. The event is open to the public.

Reedy Chapel’s Annual March, Musical & Reception

Time: 6:00p.m.

Location: March from Old Galveston Court House on 21st and Sealy to Reedy Chapel AME Church, 2015 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77550

Contact: Sharon Gillins (409) 392-5887

Reedy Chapel AME Church and guests will commemorate the reading of General Order #3 in front of the Galveston County Courthouse and then march to the church at 2015 Broadway as Reedy members did on January 1, 1866. The Emancipation Proclamation will be read during the program. Traditional gospel music and The Heritage Chorale under the direction of Mrs. Izola Collins will be featured. After the service refreshments will be served. The public is invited to participate in this free event.