Celebrate and learn about Juneteenth with these 11 events

01 Jun, 25

By McKenzie Misiaszek

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation declared every enslaved person in the United States was free, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston and liberated the more than 250,000 people who were still illegally enslaved in Texas. In 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday, although many Black Texans have been celebrating since 1865.

To honor the holiday often called “America's second Independence Day,” Precinct 4 is hosting events throughout June to educate and inspire residents of all ages.

  • Freed Community Center
  • Monday, June 2 | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
  • Children ages 8 to 11 are invited to design a Juneteenth Medallion Necklace led by the Harris County Public Library (HCPL). Session leaders will guide participants in the crafting of their medallion while teaching about the significance of Juneteenth and its role in American history.
  • Freed Community Center
  • Tuesday, June 3 | 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Celebrate Juneteenth with an All-Americans Seminar honoring the legacy of emancipation and the ongoing journey toward equality hosted by the Museum of Fine Arts.
  • Weekley Community Center
  • Saturday, June 7 | 2:30 – 5 p.m.
  • Enjoy live music, cultural performances, and refreshments. This is a come-one-come-all event with a special opportunity for young people to share their inspired voicesParticipants ages 9 to 19 are welcome to participate in the live reading segment of this celebration.
  • Radack Community Center
  • Thursday, June 12 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Enjoy activities like trivia, inspiring quotes, and stories of local heroes as you take part in a special Juneteenth scavenger hunt. Discover important moments in the journey to freedom that this holiday represents. Each station will provide something to educate participants on the profound impact this holiday has and the ongoing importance of fighting for equality and justice.
  • Bayland Community Center
  • Monday, June 16 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Walk and learn as we discuss Juneteenth with volunteer Bayland staff leadership. There will be a book reading and educational discussion after viewing a popular TV episode that explains the holiday in an engaging way.
  • Fonteno Senior Education Center
  • Monday, June 16 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Join us for our Juneteenth Concert, which will feature Edmond Baker, a talented musician who blends timeless classics with powerful, improvisational performances.
  • Bayland Community Center
  • Wednesday, June 18 | 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
  • Celebrate Juneteenth by watching a documentary followed by a lively celebration with music and dancing. Bayland staff will provide information about the first Juneteenth celebration along with other resources.
  • Glazier Senior Education Center
  • Wednesday, June 18 | 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Delve into the origins of Juneteenth with Prairie View A&M University by exploring the historical context and profound impact this holiday has had on American society, as well as the ongoing importance of this celebration in promoting equality and justice.
  • Burnett Bayland Community Center
  • Wednesday, June 18 | 4 – 5 p.m.
  • Create colorful windsocks to celebrate freedom, history, and community as we dive into the history of the first celebration of Juneteenth. This hands-on project is a great way for kids and families to learn about the importance of Juneteenth through art while creating community. All ages are welcome, and all materials are provided.
  • Bayland Community Center
  • Friday, June 20 | 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
  • Share your knowledge and learn more about the ongoing fight for justice at Bayland's Juneteenth trivia night.
  • Bayland Community Center
  • Friday, June 20 from 3 – 4 p.m.
  • Learn about Juneteenth history in this holiday trivia event for children ages 6 - 13 led by community center staff.

Precinct 4 facilities will be closed on Thursday, June 19 and will reopen Friday, June 20.