Galveston, Texas, where Juneteenth began in 1865, is commemorating the 160th anniversary of emancipation with a full calendar of events and year-round tributes that highlight African American history through festivals, exhibits, and educational programs.
The Texas island city is celebrating Juneteenth not only on June 19 but also all year long one hundred and sixty years after Union troops first told Galveston's enslaved populace of their freedom. The origin of the holiday has accepted its responsibility with a strong calendar of activities and continuous historical projects preserving the narrative of independence.
Enforcing President Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, delivering the long-delayed declaration that slavery had ended. Now a national holiday since 2021, the moment set the stage for what would finally become Juneteenth and spurred immediate celebration among recently liberated African Americans.
Although towns like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Tulsa host large Juneteenth festivities, Galveston is unique because it is where it all began. Mary Beth Bassett of Visit Galveston says, "You can come and realize the significance of Galveston as the birthplace of Juneteenth at any time of year."
This year's 160th anniversary commemoration features a comprehensive program of events. Along with the yearly procession, picnic, and fireworks show, guests assembled at ancient Ashton Villa for a recreation of General Order No. 3—the proclamation of liberation for Texas' enslaved people.
President of The Juneteenth Legacy Project, local historian Sam Collins III underlined that Juneteenth is an essential chapter of American history that has too often been underappreciated. "The story of our shared history is not whole," he remarked. "We are augmenting our shared Texas, U.S., and world history."
Collins is also a major player in the effort to create an International Juneteenth Museum at Galveston. While highlighting more general African American experiences, the museum would investigate the roots and worldwide relevance of Juneteenth. State officials have set aside $7 million for the project despite difficulties, including a rejected proposal to acquire the former L.A. Morgan Elementary School.
Beyond the major celebration, Juneteenth activities in Galveston typically take place in July. Highlights include talks about prominent African American Galvestonians and a meeting with George Floyd's family. Leading walking tours of African American legacy landmarks, including Reedy Chapel and the NIA Cultural Center, home of the 5,000-square-foot "Absolute Equality" painting, historian Dr. Araminta Coleman Sorrell guides guests.
The museums and cultural facilities of Galveston are also helping. Ashton Villa currently features the interactive "And Still We Rise..." exhibit, and the city has introduced self-guided walking tours, including the African American History Tour and the Freedom Walk.
"We really encourage celebrating Juneteenth," stated Coleman Sorrell. "The city is not just talking—they are funding grants, building awareness, and making it simple for people to connect with this vital history."
In Galveston, Juneteenth is a year-round dedication to education, commemoration, and celebration of independence, rather than just a one-day event.
