Houston celebrates Juneteenth with a 19-day citywide event series, marking the 1865 end of slavery with festivities that promote music, history, and community joy.
HOUSTON — Houston is marking Juneteenth this year with its biggest celebration yet, stretching across 19 days of citywide events that honor the historic day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston to announce the end of slavery.
Juneteenth commemorates the moment Union soldiers reached Galveston with the news that slavery had been abolished, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Harrison Guy, Arts & Culture Director for the Fifth Ward Cultural Arts District, spoke about what organizers hope people will take away from the expanded celebration.
“We hope to see you celebrating through food, through music, through storytelling, through history, through art, through fellowship, through family, and most importantly, to Juneteenth Houston, through joy.”
Residents looking to get involved can find a full list of events and participation details at juneteenthhouston.org.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.