While President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation lawfully took effect on Jan. 1, 1863, it took some time before the news made it to the farthest corners of the country. Union soldiers eventually landed at Galveston on June 19, 1865, bringing the news with them, and thus, Juneteenth was born — a holiday that commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Several Fort Worth organizations will be honoring this historic occasion with a variety of events and activities.
Juneteenth celebration at City Hall
The City of Fort Worth’s Juneteenth Celebration will take place from noon to 1 p.m. June 19 at the north plaza of City Hall, 200 Texas St.
Festivities will include a presentation about the history of the Juneteenth flag, and the program, “Styles Through the Years…Expressions of Freedom” will chronicle the history and evolution of African American hair and headwear with an outdoor style-show program.
Participants can bring a lunch, or purchase food from nearby food trucks, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
Local historian Gayle Hanson will give a special presentation about Juneteenth, providing context on reasons why it’s celebrated and how the holiday has evolved over the years. This presentation is free and will take place at 6:30 p.m. June 19 in the Tandy Lecture Hall of the Fort Worth Public Library’s Central Branch, 500 W. Third St.
Hanson is a historian, genealogist and lecturer who also serves as the librarian/archivist of the Texas Prince Hall Wilbert M. Curtis Library Museum.
Celebrate Juneteenth at a Fort Worth community center
A few Fort Worth community centers will be hosting Juneteenth festivities, and residents throughout the city are welcome to attend. Contact each center for specific information about their event.
Stop Six Juneteenth : 5 p.m. June 21, 2019; MLK Jr. Community Center, 5565 Truman Drive.
See a full schedule of events.