Biden to Attend Historic Juneteenth Celebration in Galveston

News Summary

Former President Joe Biden is set to participate in the Juneteenth celebration in Galveston, Texas, a significant event marking freedom for enslaved individuals. The festivities will include a parade, a community picnic, and for the first time, a major fireworks display. Various events throughout the city will highlight the cultural importance of Juneteenth, including dance performances, an art exhibition, and family-friendly activities. Local preparations include road closures for safety, making this celebration a pivotal moment for community engagement and reflection on historical significance.

Galveston, Texas

Former President Joe Biden is set to participate in the historic Juneteenth celebration in Galveston, Texas on June 19, marking his first visit to a Juneteenth event since the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. The celebration will honor the day in 1865 when enslaved individuals in Galveston first learned of their freedom, following the delivery of General Order No. 3 by Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger.

The Juneteenth festivities in Galveston will commence at Menard Park at 3 p.m. and will conclude with a major fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m. This is the first time Galveston will host a significant fireworks event to commemorate Juneteenth. The celebration will include a parade from Ball Street to the Wright Cuney Recreation Center & Park, culminating in a community picnic, with all activities free and open to the public.

Community Engagement and Activities

In addition to the main celebration, multiple events across the city will highlight the cultural significance of Juneteenth. The Nia Cultural Center will host live dance performances, music, and an art exhibition curated specifically for the occasion. The Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy is also organizing a celebration featuring live music, performances, activities, and a fireside discussion with author Marc Lamont Hill.

For families, Children’s Museum Houston will offer a range of special events, including dance parties, drumming sessions, visual tributes, and kid-friendly activities. The Savoy in Houston will provide complimentary family-oriented entertainment, such as pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and a bounce house.

Texas Southern University’s University Museum will showcase an art exhibition titled “Terms & Conditions: The Promise vs. Reality,” which explores the journey of enslaved individuals toward freedom, addressing ongoing societal issues faced by Black communities.

Significance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, specifically commemorating the feeding of General Order No. 3 that informed enslaved individuals in Texas of their newfound freedom. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, it was not until after the Civil War that it was fully enforced in all states, particularly in Texas, where many enslaved individuals remained unaware of their freedom for months. This delay is illustrated through personal accounts, including that of Laura Smalley, who recalled learning of her freedom long after the Proclamation was made.

The historical roots of Juneteenth celebrations can be traced back to church picnics and speeches, with these gatherings playing a significant role in the holiday’s development and spread throughout the United States.

Local Preparations and Security

As Biden prepares to speak at the Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1863 and one of the first locations where General Order No. 3 was read, local law enforcement agencies have announced significant road closures around Reedy Chapel during the celebratory events. Activities are scheduled to begin at noon with family-oriented experiences, followed by a reenactment of the emancipation march at 6 p.m. An Emancipation Service will also be held at Reedy Chapel at 6:15 p.m.

With Biden’s attendance and a wealth of activities planned, this year’s Juneteenth celebration in Galveston promises to be a significant occasion for both reflection and community engagement, reinforcing the importance of remembering this pivotal moment in American history.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Houston Hosts Vibrant Juneteenth Celebrations with Diverse Events

Additional Resources

• Click2Houston
• Wikipedia: Juneteenth
• FOX 26 Houston
• Google Search: Juneteenth celebration Galveston
• AP News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
• KHOU 11
• Houston Chronicle