Did you know the origins of Juneteenth happened here in Texas, specifically in Galveston Bay? Now a federal holiday, San Antonio has dived deeper into how to honor the history of its Black community.
What is Juneteenth?
The Emancipation Proclamation became law on January 1, 1863, its news took two years to spread to Texas. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, the remaining 250,000 enslaved population was 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 the 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
The Juneteenth is on Monday, June 19, however, San Antonians can get involved in events days before — as well as the day of — the holiday. Here are a few events happening in the Alamo City:
Wednesday, June 14
- 6-9 p.m. | Malú and Carlos Alvarez Theater | Free | Great SA: Juneteenth
Friday, June 16
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. | The Alamo | Free | Remembering Juneteenth
- 6-9 p.m. | Gardopia Gardens | Free | Juneteenth Farmers Market
Saturday June 17
- 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | St. Philip’s College | Free | San Antonio’s Juneteenth Parade
- 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Commanche Park #2 | Free | Juneteenth Festival
Sunday, June 18
- 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Commanche Park #2 | Free | Juneteenth Festival
- 6-8 p.m. | Artspace Rooftop | Free | The Art of For Presents Juneteenth at ARTPACE Rooftop Reception
Monday, June 19
- 4 p.m. | Tobin Center | $10 | Freedom: A Gospel Celebration of Juneteenth
