In some places, the day known as Juneteenth slips by unnoticed. That’s not the case in Houston, Texas. On June 19th, 1865, slavery was officially ended in the United States. Although Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took place two and a half years before, and much of the country had already ended slavery, Texas was a little late getting the message. However, when Major Gordon General Granger landed in Galveston that particular day in June, he flexed his muscle to overcome any lingering resistance to the order to abolish slavery. And that’s how this day of celebration came to be, and it’s one that Texas takes seriously.
This year marks a big milestone—Juneteenth is officially hitting its 150th year. That means it’s time to cheer extra hard. If you’re ready to make your plans for this special day, here are some events you won’t want to miss in the Houston area. So gas up your ride, it’s going to be an epic time, and you’ll want to be able to get around town.
The 2015 Emancipation Celebration in Houston
This week-long party has a few locales, and it runs Saturday, June 13th to Saturday June 20th. Some of the festivities include the lovely Miss Juneteenth Pageant, a Beauty and the Beast Tea, a big festival and an unbeatable parade. The festival and parade are the longest running in the world. Here are some highlight events to put on your calendar:
- June 13th: Miss Juneteenth Pageant – Beautified ladies ages 3-19 will compete for the title of Miss Juneteenth. It’s a day of talent, confidence and poise. It takes place at Trinity United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. The address is 2600 Holman, and tickets are $5 each.
- June 14th: Beauty and the Beast Tea – A much better form of entertainment than the film or story, the Beauty and the Beast Tea combines bikers and princesses battling it out to create the perfect tea setting. The event costs $25, and takes place at Trinity United Methodist Church at 3 p.m.
- June 17th: Ester King Freedom Movie Night – Take part in watching the film and post-movie discussion for free at Trinity UMC from 5-9 p.m.
- June 19th: The All-Day Juneteenth Event – From 10 a.m.-8 p.m., join the community in celebrating at Emancipation Park at 3018 Dowling. The day ends with a 3 on 3 basketball tournament that showcases local talent at Trinity UMC.
- June 20th: Parade – The route starts at Texas Southern University at 3100 Cleburne St, Houston, TX 77004 and ends at the Emancipation Celebration and music festival. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and lasts around an hour.
Galveston’s Juneteenth Celebration
Join a throng of people where it all ended (and the party began). Galveston hosts several events over a week, but the crowning glory is on Friday, June 19th at Ashton Villa. Expect exhibits, reenactments, concerts, picnics and more. Check out the website, the events are extensive. Some of the choices you’ll have at this mostly free event (except for specified events and fundraisers) are:
- Friends and Family Festival at the African American Museum on the 13th
- Gospel by the Sea benefit on the 14th
- A picnic and parade on the 19th
- A community concert on the 20th
- And much, much more.
Houston’s Juneteenth Celebration at Miller Outdoor Theater
Music will fill the air on June 19th at the Miller Outdoor Theater. Spend the evening listening to music that honors its African American roots. There will be Zydeco, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Brass Band and Funk. The event is free and located at 6000 Hermann Park Drive. If you bring your ride, carpooling is encouraged. The show starts at 7 p.m.
You have more than a few options this upcoming Juneteenth. Make sure you have a car that can take you to all the ones you want to attend—and remember, Texas may have been a little behind Lincoln’s order, but they certainly have made up for it with an annual party that rocks the state.
How will you be celebrating?
