2014 Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration: 142nd Annual Juneteenth Festival

Central Houston’s 2014 Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration marks 149 years of freedom, the 142nd celebration in Emancipation Park (currently hosted by Friends of Emancipation Park), and the 41st year of Juneteenth parades in Houston’s inner city!

JUNETEENTH pays tribute to the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas by Union General Gordon Granger (and 2,000 federal troops) in Galveston, Texas in June of 1865–nearly 3 years after Abraham Lincoln had declared all slaves be freed.

In 1872, Freeman's town residents Jack Yates, Elias Dibble, Richard Allen & Richard Brock purchased 10 acres at Dowling & Elgin and dedicated "Emancipation Park"–the first public park in the state of Texas– as a place to celebrate their freedom, informally called “Juneteenth” and shortened way of saying “June 19th”.

142nd Annual Juneteenth Festival
Thursday, June 19
10am-8pm

LOCATION: Emancipation Park

FEATURING Stories, the Gathering of Artifacts; Vendors, Church Choirs, Contests, Bands, Arts & Crafts, Musical/Drama Entertainment, Speeches… & more!

DETAILS:
10am: The Lonal X. Robinson Freedom Stars Talent Show  Youth individuals and groups compete for a grand prize.

1pm: Healthy Living Discussion with Cardiovascular Surgeons/Public

1:45pm: City of Houston Dignitaries will share the progress of  the $33 million dollar Emancipation Park Renovation!

2pm 142nd Annual Juneteenth Festival w/Food, Vendors, Church Choirs, Contests, Bands, Arts & Crafts, Musical/Drama Entertainment, Speeches… & more!