SPECIAL EVENTS

Galveston, the birthplace of Juneteenth, will host a wide array of Juneteenth Celebrations in 2009. From picnics to art exhibits, gospel concerts to parades, Underground Railroad re-enactments to beauty pageants, Galveston will host something for everyone who wants to celebrate Juneteenth in the city where Union General Gordon Granger announced the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865, nearly three years after the original Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Since that day in 1865, Juneteenth has become a traditional day of celebration, growing in popularity and spreading farther throughout the U.S. every year. Juneteenth festivities traditionally include parades, street fairs, cookouts and park parties with music, dancing, games and contests.

Galveston will host the following Juneteenth celebrations in 2009:

Saturday, June 13, 2009
4th Annual Juneteenth
Stringfellow Orchards Family Day in Hitchcock
Time: 1 to 6 p.m.
Location: 7902 State Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas 77563
Contact: Samuel Collins III and Doris Collins, 409-256-3822

Stringfellow Orchards was owned by Henry Martyn Stringfellow (1839–1912), a successful businessman in the late 1880s. Because of his success, Stringfellow was able to pay orchard workers one dollar a day (when the going wage was fifty cents). This enabled workers, mostly freed slaves, the opportunity to better take care of their families. It also allowed them the opportunity to buy land. In his book, “The New Horticulture” (1896), Stringfellow mentions the name of one of these men, Frank Bell. The Bell family still lives in Texas City. Activities for the day include moonwalk, games for children of all ages, music and performances. Shrimp and fish po’ boys as well as barbeque will be available for sale on site or families may bring their own picnic basket to enjoy on the grounds.

Saturday June 13 through Friday, June 19, 2009.
American Slavery Art Exhibit by League City Artist Ted Ellis
Stringfellow Orchards
Time: Exhibit open 4 to 6 p.m. daily
Ticketed Reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday June 19
Location: 7902 State Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas 77563
Contact: Samuel Collins III and Doris Collins, 409-256-3822

League City Artist Ted Ellis’ traveling exhibit “American Slavery: The Reason Why We Are Here” will be on display at Stringfellow Orchards in Hitchcock, Texas, from June 13, 2009 until June 19, 2009.

Daily tours will begin June 13, 2009. The cost of the tour is $5. The exhibit at the historic home will be open daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 13 through 18.

On June 19, 2009 Stringfellow Orchards owners Samuel Collins III & Doris Collins will host a private event “An evening with Artist Ted Ellis.” Tickets to the private event are $50 and limited to 25 guests. The reception will be 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. For complete information about the exhibit and the artist, click here.

10th Annual Saint Vincent’s House Gospel by the Sea Concert
Time: 6 p.m.
Tickets: $75 VIP
$55 Reserved
$30 General Admission
Location: Moody Gardens, 400 Hope Blvd., Galveston Texas
Contact: Moody Gardens Tickets Office (409) 683-4186 or e-mail www.moodytickets.com. For more information call St. Vincent House Executive Director Michael Jackson at (409) 763-8521.

Please join St. Vincent’s House for the annual kick-off concert for Galveston’s Juneteenth Celebration. The concert will feature the praise vocals of James Fortune and headliner Grammy and Stellar award winner Yolanda Adams. Proceeds will benefit the children at Saint Vincent’s House.

Sunday, June 14, 2009
17th Annual Juneteenth Development Corporation Scholarship Gala
Time: 7 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $15, Children $7.50 at the door
Location: Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Avenue M, Galveston, Texas 77550
Contact: Dorothy Brown (409) 762-0063; Archie Ruth DeClout (409) 765-6120

Young ladies ages 17 to 22 will compete for scholarships and prizes. The first place winner will be crowned Miss Juneteenth Ambassador. Each contestant will be judged on an oral presentation of her goals and aspirations; a creative rendition of her talent; formal wear and a question-and-answer session.

June 14 through 16, 2009
Nia Culture Center Youth African-American Heritage Exhibits
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Ave M, Galveston, Texas 77550
Contact: Ruth Ouzenne (409) 765-7086
Local youth will display Juneteenth posters and artifacts.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009
12th Annual Al Edwards Juneteenth Banquet
Time: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $25
Location: Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Avenue M, Galveston, Texas 77550
Contact: Ennis Williams (409) 744-1491; (409) 392-1426

The state theme “Come on Home Where it all Began” highlights the history of Juneteenth and its importance to Galveston’s heritage. The banquet speaker will be Dr. C. G. Langham, graduate of Central High School, Class of 1962. Sponsorships are available at $300, $500, $1,000. Proceeds benefit Old Central Cultural Center.

Thursday, June 18, 2009
7th Annual Underground Railroad Program
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Garten Verein Pavilion and
Kempner Park, 27th and Avenue O, Galveston, Texas
Contact: Tommie Boudreaux (409) 740-0454 or Denise Alexander (409) 765-7834

The African-American Heritage and Education Committees of the Galveston Historical Foundation proudly present “The Making of an Underground Railroad: From Slavery to Freedom.” This day of re-enactments and hands-on activities will acquaint students 8-12 years of age with challenges blacks faced to escape from slavery to freedom. Two Galveston professional musicians will be new to our program this year. Mr. Curt Gillins, featuring “Magic of the Drums” will present an interactive history of African drums. Mrs. June V. Pulliam will teach students songs from the time period represented in the program to be sung at the annual Emancipation Proclamation Reading and Prayer Breakfast Friday morning, June 19 at Ashton Villa.

Friday, June 19, 2009
30th Annual Emancipation Proclamation Reading and Prayer Breakfast
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Ashton Villa 2300 Broadway
Galveston, Texas 77550
Contact: Douglas Matthews (409) 747-2912

The Emancipation Proclamation will be read to commemorate the historic event that occurred in Galveston on June 19, 1865, two years after it was enacted in 1863. Galveston holds the distinction of being the place of the first reading of the Proclamation in the South. Texas State Representative Al Edwards sponsored two legislative bills establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday and providing for statues in Galveston and at the state capital in Austin. Breakfast after the program has been donated by Landry’s/San Luis Resort and is free to the public.

Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Parade
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: 25th and Ball to the New
Wright Cuney Park at 41st and Ball
Contact: Leon Phillips (409) 762-7777, Barbara Gordon (409) 599-8050, or Jaz Shabazz (409) 599-0155

Marching bands, drill teams, decorated cars and high kicking performers from Galveston, Houston, Dallas and other areas will excite the crowds along the route. Beautiful horse driven carriages will also be featured. To participate in the parade please contact persons listed above. Proof of auto liability insurance is required before the event.

Annual Annie Mae Charles Juneteenth Jubilee Picnic
Time: After the Parade
Location: Wright Cuney Park, 41st and Ball, Galveston, Texas 77550
Contact: Barbara Gordon (409) 599-8050 and Anna Fields (409) 526-6193

The picnic will begin after the completion of the Juneteenth Parade. Complimentary refreshments will be provided as well as music and activities for the entire family. A special program including the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation will begin at 2 p.m. The picnic is free and open to the public.

9th Annual Mount Olive Gospel Explosion
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Location: Back Parking Lot at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 3602 Avenue H Galveston, Texas 77550
Contact: Rev. Peter and Quinnette James (409) 762-0088

The Gospel Explosion is a spiritual event hosted by Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Bring the entire family to join in the festivities and enjoy great gospel music, soloists, and praise dancers. Prayers will be offered for our soldiers and others. Vendors will be available as well as activities for young children. If you are interested in participating please contact the persons listed above. The event is open to the public.

Reedy Chapel’s Annual March, Musical and Reception
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: March from Old Galveston Court House on 21st and Sealy to Reedy Chapel AME Church, 2015 Broadway, Galveston, Texas 77550
Contact: Sharon Gillins (409) 392-5887

Reedy Chapel AME Church and guests will commemorate the reading of General Order #3 in front of the Galveston Courthouse at 722 Moody and then march to the church at 2015 Broadway as Reedy members did on January 1, 1866. The Emancipation Proclamation will be read during the program that will feature African American spirituals by the Heritage Chorale under the direction of Mrs. Izola Collins. After the service refreshments will be served. The public is invited to participate in this free event.

Pictured:  Corlie Jackson portrays Vina Still, a slave whose husband was able to buy his own freedom and, with the help of friends and family members, bring Vina and their children to freedom in Philadelphia. Their story is told in Galveston Historical Foundation's annual re-enactment of the Underground Railroad, to be held this year on Thursday, June 18, at Kempner Park. Photo: David Canright/GHF.