Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19ththat the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
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Throughout the DFW area, there are Juneteenth celebrations planned today and throughout the week. The planned events include not only free food and music but also events aimed at determining how the community can build a brighter future now. A few activities include:
The City of Cedar Hill and Best Southwest cities have joined together for the Juneteenth Arts & Music Festival. This year’s theme is Peace, Love & Unity! Activities include food vendors, a variety of arts and crafts, live performances and much more. Entertainment on the main stage will feature classic Funk/R&B band Con Funk Shun. It will start at 5 p.m. on June 15 at Valley Ridge Park.
Join the City of Irving and the West Irving Improvement Association from 4 to 7 p.m. June 15 at 3925 Jackson St., for the 2019 celebration. This year’s celebration also will feature a free concert featuring HD Groove Band and The Inspiration Band. Outdoor games and children activities will be available throughout the event, as well as self-guided tours at the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Museum Complex.
The Soul Brunch’s Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Taboo Lounge with the meal curated by @ChefJaredPierre.
The 3rd Juneteenth Economic Forum sponsored by the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Frazier House, 4600 Spring Ave., Dallas. Individuals, Religious and Community Organizations interested in Economic Development in the South Dallas area are invited to participate. Attendees will engage in discussions to help advance the economic situation of those who live in the South Dallas community.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center invites you to participate in the 2019 Juneteenth Celebration, a community-based event celebrating history, culture, and freedom. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. This event takes place 2 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 19 at the MLK, Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK, Jr. Blvd.
Join the African American Resource Groups for their Juneteenth Network Mixer featuring guests from Fortune 500 companies across the DFW metroplex for a unique and collaborative networking experience as the celebrate Juneteenth. The events are scheduled for June 19 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 370 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite#100 will include appetizers, entertainment, raffles, and a community service achievement award presentation. Donate Breakfast Items benefiting Minnie’s Food Pantry to win a door prize.
An Evening With! A History and Celebration of Juneteenth with Donald Payton and The South Dallas Concert Choir. The event will be held at Hall of State in Fair Park on June 19 at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, and although reservations are not required the organizers would appreciate guests making reservations at http://bit.ly/AEWPayton19.Â
The Arlington Black Chamber of Commerce invites the community to their 4th Annual Arlington Juneteenth celebration on Monday, June 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Globe Life Park. The theme this year is “Keep Moving Forward: Living on Purpose.” The scheduled speakers are Reverend Dr. Michael Evans of the 149-year old Bethlehem Baptist Church and Reginald Gates, Vice Chancellor of Communications & External Affairs for Tarrant County College. For tickets, go to https://ABCCJUNETEENTH2019.EVENTBRITE.COM.
