Did you know Juneteenth’s origins happened here in Texas, specifically four hours southeast of San Antonio in Galveston Bay?
What is Juneteenth?
The Emancipation Proclamation became law on Jan. 1, 1863, but the news took two years to spread to Texas. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, where the remaining 250,000 enslaved people were liberated.
In 1979, the state of Texas began to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday, while the City of San Antonio adopted the holiday in 2021.
How can I get involved?
Here are a few organizations and community resources devoted to honoring + celebrating our local Black community:
- Carver Community Cultural Center
- San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM)
- Bexar County Juneteenth
- Juneteenth San Antonio
- San Antonio Public Library Juneteenth Guide
- UTSA Libraries Juneteenth Collection
Juneteenth lands on Thursday, June 19, however, locals can get involved all week. Check out these events happening across the 210:
Juneteenth 5K | Saturday, June 14 | 7-11 a.m. | Martin Luther King Park | $35+ | Lace up your sneakers for a cause, complete with medals, music, and a finish party.
2025 Juneteenth Festival | Saturday, June 14 | 9-10 a.m. | Comanche Park #2 | Free | See old friends and meet new ones while enjoying local bands and entertainment.
Juneteenth Party In The Park | Sunday, June 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Pittman Sullivan Park | $5 | Food, fun, and fellowship abound at this barbecue party — register in advance for the turkey leg + roasted corn combo. Proceeds benefit the Davis-Scott YMCA.
SAAACAM Green Book Civil Rights Bus Tour | 1-3:30 p.m. | Brackenridge Parking Garage | $50 | This historical tour will uncover the stories of African American entrepreneurship, resilience, community, and travel.
See more events curated by Juneteenth San Antonio.
