Did you know the origins of Juneteenth happened here in Texas — specifically four hours southeast of San Antonio in Galveston Bay? Now a federal holiday, our city is diving deeper into how to honor the history of its Black community.
What is Juneteenth?
The Emancipation Proclamation became law on January 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 population 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 Wednesday, June 19, however, locals can get involved in events days before — as well as the day of — the holiday. Check out these events happening across the 210:
Juneteenth Freedom Parade | Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Sam Houston High School, 4635 E. Houston St., San Antonio | Free | Honor Emancipation Day with fellow San Antonians on a route to Comanche Park.
Juneteenth Block Party & Fair | Saturday, June 15 | 3-9 p.m. | Crockett Park, 1300 N. Main Ave., San Antonio | Free | Celebrate our Black community with fundraiser that features local small businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Juneteenth Farmers Market | Wednesday, June 19 | 6-9 p.m. | Gardopia Gardens, 619 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio | Free | Welcome the summer solstice by shopping through fresh produce, cultural performances, and soulful music.
TVC Juneteenth Festival and Fireworks Display | Wednesday, June 19 | 6-9 p.m. | True Vision Church, 2826 Ackerman Rd., San Antonio | Free | End your night with a fireworks display, food trucks, and live entertainment.
