Dallas (1080 KRLD) - Cities in north Texas and around the state are holding Juneteenth celebrations today. The celebrations mark the date that a Union Army general arrived in Galveston to announce the Civil War was over and that enslaved African Americans in Texas were free. Although President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the news did not reach Galveston until June 19th, 1865.
"When that document arrived here in Texas and General Granger brought it forth, it gave us the opportunity to celebrate our freedom," said Elite News publisher Darryl Blair. He's one of the organizers of today's celebrations at Fair Park in Dallas.
The Dallas observances begin at 10:00 a.m. with a march from William Blair Jr. Park to Fair Park. There will be musical performances, a wellness expo and historical exhibits at Fair Park throughout the afternoon. All events are free and open to the public.
DeSoto is joining forces with Duncanville, Lancaster and Cedar Hill to host the Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration at DeSoto's Grimes Park on Wintergreen Road. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and musical performances will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Fort Worth's observances will include Opal Lee. She spent decades advocating for Juneteenth to become a national holiday. President Biden signed a bill this week making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Today's events in Fort Worth start with a breakfast at the historic Evans Avenue Plaza. Opal Lee will lead a Walk for Juneteenth from Evans Avenue Plaza to the Tarrant County Courthouse in downtown Fort Worth.
Galveston is holding a special Juneteenth celebration. Senator John Cornyn and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee both plan to attend. They supported the measure to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Galveston Juneteenth events coordinator Doug Matthews applauds the creation of a national holiday. "I think it's very important," he said. "However, we don't want to lose the significance of Galveston and also the state of Texas being the first."
Galveston will have several events today including a re-enactment of the city's first Emancipation Processional. There will also be a parade and a picnic.
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