By David Wilfong
NDG Contributing Writer
The celebration of Juneteenth has garnered national attention in the past year, even if perhaps because of an ill-timed political rally last year. Subsequently, this uniquely Texas bit of history is even more well-known today.
The celebration recalls the events of June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived Galveston and informed 250,000 slaves that they were now free. Despit ehte fact that the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two-and-a-half years earlier, the Black population in places like Texas had not been informed.
Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “No one is free until we are all free.”
In that train of thought, as the slaves in Texas were the last major population to become aware of their freedom, there is a thought among many that Juneteenth should be “the” national celebration of emancipation.
In the spirit of the occasion, there is actually a dedication of a 5,000 square foot mural taking place at the spot where General Order No. 3 was read by Granger in Galveston itself this year.
NDG 6/3: Biden, other leaders mark a century since the Tulsa Massacre
Houston artist Reginald Adams, who was honored with the commissioning of the artwork, noted that travelers disembarking from cruise ships nearby will all be exposed to the story. The dedication takes place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
Dallas Juneteenth
For those who cannot make the journey to the coast for the dedication, Dallas is setting its sights on creating a regional commemoration right here in Fair Park. Dallas Juneteenth will combine a respectful observation of the day with music, food, a parade and more.
NDG 5/27: New report shows number of people killed by police skyrocketed in 2020
A 3.5 mile march will begin at 10 a.m. at William Blair Jr. Park (3000 Rochester St, Dallas, TX 75215) moving the celebration to Fair Park. From there, the festival will host a range of activities and features such as a Negro League Baseball exhibit, a health & wellness expo, music performances, and more.
Notably, the Dallas Historical Society has the only known original copy of the General Orders, and they will be on display at the Hall of State during the Juneteenth Celebration.
All programs and activities are free and open to the public.
NDG 5/20: ‘Shop Talk’ building a relationship between communities and those who protect them
The Fair Park event is expected to be the largest celebration in the DFW area, but there are dozens of other smaller events and activities happening throughout Dallas, Fort Worth and the surrounding communities.
National Juneteenth Virtual Music Festival
The DFW area is also the host of another celebration which will be enjoyed far and wide. The The National Juneteenth Virtual Music Festival will be hosted at The Warehouse (125 E. Berry Street, Fort Worth, TX 76110)
A wide range of musical acts are on slate for a show that will run from Friday night into Sunday.
The festival kicks off Thursday with a Opening Reception honoring Fort Worth Living Legend and National Juneteenth Holiday advocate, Mrs. Opal Lee from 7-10 p.m. Hosted by National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, the reception will feature entertainment by saxophonist John Taylor.
The entertainment goes on for two days from there. Since the easing of restrictions due to the pandemic there are now tickets available to attend the event in person. However, it will still be streamed online for free.
“We are excited to present an incredible weekend of Zydeco, Blues and Jazz for music lovers not only in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but around the world,” says event promoter Jim Austin.
Freedom from COVID
It shouldn’t be forgottent hat last year’s celebrations were cut short, and the COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet. Therefore, Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price is urging southern county residents to use the day to protect themselves.
There will be a free vaccination clinic held at the grand opening of the newest Ernie WIlliams Insurance Agency (917 N. Hampton, Suite 205) in DeSoto. There is no need to register or wait in long lines.
“Throughout my career in elected office, I have always maintained that our community needed a foundational tripod,” Price said in a release. “We need Emancipation, Education, and Enterprise. No Day represents this mission more than Juneteenth. We can never experience real liberation until we control our bodies, our minds, and our dollars.
“Not only will getting the COVID-19 vaccine give you the freedom to re-enter society, but we will also celebrate the opening of Ernie Williams’ third office. Ernie has spent decades teaching financial literacy in our community, and having the right insurance coverages is a significant part of that equation.”
Regardless of where and how it will be celebrated by any particular individual, Juneteeth is a reminder of one of the most important milestones in the African American journey and the journey of the nation as a whole.
The journey continues…
