Houstonians celebrate Juneteenth virtually, locally with events in Emancipation Park

After more than 160 years since the end of slavery in the U.S., President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17 marking Juneteenth (June 19) as an official holiday. 

The Senate unanimously OK'd its bill version, while House members adopted it in a 415-14 vote.

The holiday dates back to June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger liberated 250,000 slaves in Texas after landing on Galveston Island in 1865. With 2,000 federal troops, Granger issued General Order No. 3, and set the enslaved people free.

The policy went into effect immediately, making June 18 the first federal Juneteenth holiday in American history. The federal Office of Personnel Management announced on June 17 that most federal employees would observe it on Friday, since June 19 falls on a Saturday.

To celebrate, there will be a series of virtual events in Emancipation Park, in what Houstonia Magazine said is the 149th observance of Juneteenth in Emancipation Park. The intent of these events is to highlight black and African American influences in the community, bring attention to local businesses, history of the area and to highlight individuals who were important to these celebrations.

There have been webinars on economic empowerment, entrepreneurship with multiple black-owned businesses and the Emancipation Economic Development Council; and Facebook Live events to help kids with mental health and even a workout session.

And, on June 19, at 11 a.m., there’s a community meal event with food, drinks and more, presented by Emancipation Park Conservancy, Houston Food Bank, Lucille’s 1913, H-E-B, and Coca-Cola. Registration is required for this event.

At 3 p.m. on June 19, there’s also a virtual celebration with DJs, musicians and community performances.

#WeAreJuneteenth is a national campaign to celebrate the holiday and a digital platform to bring people together, to communicate and recognize how African Americans have shaped American society and culture.

Visit the event website to learn more about the movement, and the celebrations in Emancipation Park.