How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Houston
In 2020, June 19th was officially declared as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and African American Independence Day. We celebrate this national holiday as Juneteenth.
Houston plays a significant role in this part of history. In fact, the general orders to finally free the slaves were read by Gen. Granger in Galveston.
That being said, Juneteenth in this Texan city is a well-prepared and anticipated celebration of human rights, freedom, and the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Houstonians celebrate the Juneteenth holiday through public readings of the proclamation, park activities, market festivities, outdoor concerts, and tours around historical landmarks in the city.
So, if you’re celebrating with us this year, here are some things to look forward to.
Event Overview
Given that the demographic of Houston is largely African American communities, this event is a big deal.
The festivities start a week earlier than the actual holiday, so you may find people and establishments setting up on the 11th. The Federal law enforcement and Houston police are also up and about to ensure everyone’s safety during the weekend celebration.
The planning of events center on the 17th, 18th, and 19th, with the highlights on the actual holiday. In this case, it may feel like everything is happening everywhere all at once.
Just put some sunscreen on, and mark your calendars so you know where the real fun is.
How Houston celebrates Juneteenth
Houston has plenty of historical spots, and joining the Juneteenth tour was a great opportunity to visit them all. The guides also share information about every particular spot, the people who occupied this area, and the events that took place.
Theaters and film centers offer free viewing of award-winning historical films about the early colonial days. Museums and other institutions also set up displays to commemorate similar historical events.
There are also live readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, mural events, and performances in celebration of freedom. Black creators, sellers, and performers also take center stage in farmers markets, family events in parks, and other party venues.
Moreover, these said events are a great place to relearn about Black History and our journey to freedom. With that, you can bring your children to appreciate these shows and rediscover how essential equality and freedom is to live a good life.
In addition to this, the HMAAC or the Houston Museum of African American Culture display portraits of important people in the civil rights movements. Kids may also enjoy the series of events and book readings at the Children’s Museum Houston.
Both downtown and uptown Houston are bustling with festivities during this time. But the heart of all celebrations is at Galveston island, the birthplace of the holiday.
That means we can expect music festivals, live bands, parties, and fireworks at the gulf coast. You can also watch documentaries and reenactments of historical scenes in different venues.
Furthermore, most public events in celebration of Juneteenth are open to all and offer free access. Those that come with tickets are usually fundraisers or charity events in support of different advocacies related to the holiday.
