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 & Downloads2008 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 DaySaturday, June 14, 2008 @ 1pmOne 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
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Annual Annie Mae Charles Juneteenth Jubilee PicnicTime After the Parade Location New Wright Cuney Park 41st and Ball Galveston, Texas 77550 Contact Barbara Gordon Anna Fields 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 ExplosionTime 5:00-9:00 p.m. Location Back Parking Lot at Contact Rev. Peter and 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 & ReceptionTime 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 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 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 |