Houston has been celebrating Juneteenth almost since that day in 1865 when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with the news that all enslaved people were free. The next year Galveston Blacks celebrated what was called Jubilee Day or Freedom Day but soon came to be known as Juneteenth, a mash up of June and nineteenth. While celebrated by families and church groups early in Houston, it wasn’t until seven years later, in 1872, when four formerly enslaved Houstonians bought 10 acres in the Third Ward for a park for Blacks, who were banned from city parks at the time, and as a place to hold a citywide Juneteenth celebration. They named it Emancipation Park.

Now, one hundred and sixty-one years after Galveston learned of the emancipation, Houston is pulling out all of the stops for 19 days of celebration this June.

The non-profit organization Juneteenth Houston announced the celebration schedule calling Juneteenth more than a day, “It’s a season!” And it looks like a fun-packed one judging by the schedule. Events started May 29^th and run through June 19^th including everything from tours of historic Black neighborhoods, beauty pageants, bike rides, lectures, art and cultural events, and lots of food events. On June 13 there will be a parade starting at 10:00 a.m. on Emancipation Avenue and making its way to Emancipation Park.

And on Juneteenth itself, there will be two major events in Houston Southeast for you to enjoy for free (although tickets are advised to secure a space). That evening Miller Outdoor Theatre will host Juneteenth Culture Fest featuring Maze and Chanté Moore in a celebration of “freedom, culture, and timeless sound.” Can’t make it to Hermann Park? You can watch the festivities live on the theater’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

As for the city’s first Black park, Emancipation Park with its new $18.5 million makeover, will host its annual Juneteenth Festival. This year called The Reunion. Emancipation Park Conservancy’s CEO and president Corey Wilson says they are expecting between 5,000 and 7,000 attendees.  Expect big names like Scarface and King George and local talent, a youth fun zone where the Houston Parks and Recreation Department will provide games and crafts, local food trucks to provide eats, a domino tournament, and a vendor village with more than fifty local business. “Economic empowerment is one of our core principals,” adds Wilson.

by Marene Gustin