Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth, African American Independence Day, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
It marks the day in 1865 when Texas became the last state to announce the Emancipation Proclamation, bringing slavery to an end throughout the nation. The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln but the last enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their freedom only over two years later, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to announce the Civil War had ended—Confederate General Robert E. Lee had surrendered approximately two months earlier—and that slavery had been outlawed.
The day, also referred to as Freedom Day, has been celebrated since 1866 and it has since developed from a local event mostly confined within Texas to a nationwide celebration recognized as a state holiday, to a Federal holiday in 2021when President Joe Biden signed a resolution proclaiming June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day.
A preview of our Juneteenth celebrations in 2022, in partnership with the City of Bellevue, Delbert Richardson, and V C Bynum Arts and Education:
Join us for events hosted Friday June 10, Monday June 13, and Wednesday June 15 as we celebrate our ancestor’s liberation from slavery and the resilience of Black people in America.
Friday, June 10 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Delbert Richardson’s The American History Traveling Museum: The Unspoken Truths
Mr. Delbert Richardson, owner/curator, will be presenting the National Award-winning American History Traveling Museum: The Unspoken Truths in person at City Hall. Enjoy a special hour of storytelling from Mr. Richardson from 12-1 p.m.
Monday, June 13 | 12 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Delbert Richardson’s The American History Traveling Museum: The Unspoken Truths
Special guest dancer: Diana Starr Raynell at 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a second opportunity to experience the Traveling Museum at City Hall. Feature storytelling hours at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 15 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
EastHUB’s Structural Racism in the Arts: A Lens on Racist Policies in the Arts Community (virtual)
Join EastHUB for a virtual workshop exploring how racism has influenced art and artists, presented by Michael Bobbitt and Jazmyn Scott.
