More than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Major-General Gordon Granger arrived at the coastal city of Galveston, Texas and announced General Order No. 3:
“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”
Approximately 250,000 African-American slaves in Texas soon received the good news and celebrated their freedom in the months that followed.
The exact date that General Granger brought the proclamation to Texans was June 19th, 1865, now formally known as “Juneteenth.” For many African-American slaves in the state, this day was their second Emancipation Day or Fourth of July.
According to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, large celebrations and festivities on June 19 began to flourish across the state starting 1866. Activities used to include a prayer service, featured speakers, story-telling, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, food, games, rodeos, and dances. The Texas State Historical Association stated that large celebrations of Juneteenth were also “political rallies” teaching freed slaves about their voting rights.
Juneteenth officially became a Texas holiday on January 1, 1980. Since then, the celebration and tradition began to spread as African-Americans in Texas migrated to other states. On June 17, 2021, President Biden also signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Juneteenth 2024 continues to be celebrated statewide. Check out below some Juneteenth events in Texas!
Dallas
Fair Park Juneteenth Festival of Service
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 14 and 15
Where: Fair Park Automobile Building and African American Museum
This two-day free event begins with a community-clean up effort. Art, vendors, food trucks and live entertainment will also be featured at the event. For more information about the Fair Park Juneteenth Festival visit https://www.fairparkjuneteenth.com.
Juneteenth Celebration honoring black cowboys
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 15
Where: For Oak Cliff
Dare to Live Right (DTLR), a lifestyle retailer, is partnering with For Oak Cliff to host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration. The event will offer a famer’s market, a kids zone, live music, interactive displays, storytelling sessions and more. For additional details, use this link: https://www.foroakcliff.org/juneteenth.html.
Dallas Cowboys Juneteenth Celebration
When: 3 to 7 p.m. on June 15
Where: AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium is hosting a free Juneteenth celebration at Miller Lite House. Food trucks, live entertainment and pop-ups from black-owned businesses will all be available. Explore further information here: https://attstadium.com/events/juneteenth/
Fort Worth
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Free Admission Day: Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19
Bring your family to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) on free admission days and unplug, unwind, and let nature weave its magic. FWBG’s free admission days are an invitation for all to explore this 120-acre sanctuary of nature in the middle of the city. No tickets are needed, simply arrive during Garden hours. June 19 is our second free admission day of the year in honor of the Juneteenth holiday.
Houston
Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy
Juneteenth: An Elevated Kickback Experience
Wednesday, June 19, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
A festive educational experience to commemorate and celebrate freedom, culture, and community in Freedmen’s Town. This event is a vibrant fusion of history, art, music, and cuisine, designed to celebrate and honor the significance of Juneteenth in a festive and reflective atmosphere. The event will include educational engagement, kids and adult activities, games, food, and music.
Houston Museum of African American Culture
Embers of Freedom
Wednesday, June 19, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Written and directed by Makaela Reed, the play presents the idea of discovering the past, present, and future of Juneteenth within the flickering flames of a fire. The audience will go through a mesmerizing blend of powerful monologues, soul-stirring songs, dynamic dance, and immersive spoken word, taking a journey through history, and experiencing the struggles and triumphs that shape the enduring quest for freedom and equality.
A Juneteenth Celebration at Bayou Bend
Lubbock
East Lubbock Art House
Juneteenth at The Art House
Wednesday, June 19, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
This event is FREE & open to the public. Please bring a friend, your family or share with someone who would be interested. This event will include free food, art, arts and crafts, vendors, live music, door prizes, and community engagement!!
Tyler
Texas African American Museum
Juneteenth Celebration
Wednesday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public.
