On June 19, 1865, two years after it was enacted, The Emancipation Proclamation was read for the first timein the South on Galveston Island. This important document, declared that slaves in southern stated be set free.

Today, this historic event is celebrated around the world as not only an African-American independence day, but also emphasizes education and achievement. In Galveston the entire month is marked with special events, guest speakers and family entertainment to be enjoyed by people or all backgrounds.

In the state of Texas, and in many other states, Juneteenth is now an official state holiday.


Links & Downloads

2008 Galveston Juneteenth Celebration Poster (1.2 mb)

2008 Galveston Juneteenth Brochure (0.8 mb)

History of Juneteenth in the State of Texas

History of Emancipation Proclamation

Emancipation Proclamation Text


"But, if this part of our history could be told in such a way that those chains of the past, those shackles that physically bound us together against our wills could, in the telling, become spiritual links that willingly bind us together now and into the future - then that painful Middle Passage could become, ironically, a positive connecting line to all of us whether living inside or outside the continent of Africa..."

~ Tom Feelings

3rd Annual Stringfellow Orchards Juneteenth Family Day

Saturday, June 14, 2008 @ 1pm

One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.

Bring your families out to celebrate Juneteenth under the historic oak trees of Stringfellow Orchards in Hitchcock. Activities for the day include: a car show, moonwalks for the kids, dramatic skits by Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux who will bring to life Fannie Lou Hamer and Harriet Tubman, Words of Wisdom from the Elders and more.

Stringfellow Orchards 7902 Hwy 6 Hitchcock, Texas 77563

See photos of Stringfellow Orchards here.

2008 Calendar of Events

Sunday
June 8, 2008

16th Annual Juneteenth
Development Corporation Scholarship Gala

Time 7:00p.m.

Tickets Adults $15/Children $7.50 at the door

Location Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Avenue M Galveston, Texas 77550

Contact Dorothy Brown
(409) 762-0063

Young ladies ages 17 to 24 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 10-19 2008

Nia Culture Center Youth African-American Heritage Exhibits

Time 10:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.

Location Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Ave M, Galveston, Texas 77550

Contact Ruth Ouzenne
(409) 765-7086

Local youth will display Juneteenth Posters and Artifacts..

Tuesday
June 10, 2008

12th Annual Al Edwards Juneteenth Banquet

Time 7:00p.m.

Tickets $25.00

Location Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Avenue M Galveston, Texas 77550

Contact Ennis Williams
(409) 744-1491

The state theme “Come on Home Where It All Began” highlights the history of Juneteenth and its importance to our heritage. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds benefit the Old Central Cultural Center.

Wednesday
June 11, 2008

Galveston Gathering:
Central High School
Memorial Service

Time 7:00p.m.

Location Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Avenue M Galveston, Texas 77550

Contact Sherman Boyer
(409) 762-2918

Central High School was organized in 1885 as the first African-American High School in the state of Texas. Former students from all over the world return to commemorate their good old days at Central High School.

Thursday
June 12, 2007

6th Annual
Underground Railroad

Time 8:30a.m.

Location Garten Verein Pavilion and Kempner Park at 27th and Avenue O Galveston, Texas

Contact Tommie Boudreaux
(409) 740-0454

Matt Farragher or
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 Success.” This day of activities will acquaint students 8-12 years of age with challenges Blacks faced to escape from slavery to freedom. Mrs. Izola Collins will teach students songs of that time to sing on Thursday morning, June 19. Returning for the sixth year will be “The Children’s Griot” by Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed. of Houston, Texas.

Galveston Gathering:
Central High School
Class Night

Time 7:00p.m.

Location TBA by each class.

Friday,
June 13, 2008

Galveston Gathering:
Registration and Fish Fry

Time 7:00p.m. to Midnight (Serving stops at 10:p.m.)

Location Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Avenue M , Galveston Texas 77550

Contact Margaret Bell
(409) 762-6048

Registration is $40.00 and includes a Fish Fry, Dance Gala (music by Down To Earth Band) and Picnic. Registration Deadline is June 2, 2008.

Saturday
June 14, 2008

3rd Annual Stringfellow Orchards Juneteenth Family Day in Hitchcock

Time 1p.m. until 6p.m.

Location Stringfellow Orchards 7902 Hwy 6 Hitchcock, Texas 77563

Contact Samuel and Doris Collins III (409) 256-2552

One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.

Bring your families out to celebrate Juneteenth under the historic oak trees of Stringfellow Orchards in Hitchcock. Activities for the day include: a car show, moonwalks for the kids, dramatic skits by Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux who will bring to life Fannie Lou Hamer and Harriet Tubman, Words of Wisdom from the Elders and more.

Galveston Gathering:
Dance Gala Music by “Down To Earth Band”

Time 9:00p.m. – 1:00a.m.

Location Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Avenue M Galveston, Texas 77550

Attire Semi-Formal Attire

Contact: Margaret Bell
(409) 762-6048

Sunday,
June 15, 2008

Galveston Gathering: Annual Picnic

Time 12:00p.m. -7:00p.m.
Barbecue Dinners served from 1:30p.m. - 4:00p.m.

Location Kempner Park 27th and Avenue Galveston, Texas

Contact Margaret Bell
(409) 762-6048

Thursday
June 19, 2008

29th Annual Emancipation Proclamation Reading and Prayer Breakfast

Time 8:30a.m.

Location Ashton Villa 2300 Broadway Galveston, Texas 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, Texas. The commemorative statue in Galveston will be dedicated at the Thursday morning celebration. 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

Barbara Gordon
(409) 599-8050

Jarma 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 New Wright Cuney Park 41st and Ball Galveston, Texas 77550

Contact Barbara Gordon
(409) 599-8050

Anna Fields
(409) 741-3665

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.

9th Annual Gospel Explosion

Time 5:00-9:00 p.m.

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

Contact Diane Henderson Moore
(409) 621-5007

Reedy Chapel AME Church and guests will commemorate the reading of General Order #3 in front of the Old Galveston County Courthouse and then march to the church at 2015 Broadway as Reedy members did in 1866. The Emancipation Proclamation will be read during the program featuring African-American spirituals sung by the Heritage Chorale under the direction of Mrs. Izola Collins. After the service refreshments will be served. The public is invited to participate in this free event.

Galveston Juneteenth Coalition
2627 Avenue M, Galveston, Texas 77550

For more information on Galveston’s Junteenth Celebration contact the Galveston Convention Visitors Bureau toll-free at (888)425-4753

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