The mood of the nation is different now than it was when Juneteenth became our newest federal holiday in 2021. Even with the cheeky Walmart products and other commercial exploits of the holiday, it seemed that there was an openness,

HOUSTON — On Saturday, the first day of the Juneteenth Culture Fest at Avenida, kicked off with dozens of people in attendance. The event celebrating Juneteenth as the end of slavery featured a pop-up market with arts, food, music and it’s a chance for small business owners to interact with the crowds.

The streets of Third Ward came alive today as Houstonians gathered for the 52nd Annual Juneteenth Parade, a vibrant celebration of freedom, resilience, and Black history.

The origin of the Juneteenth celebrations marking the end of slavery goes back to an order issued as Union troops arrived in Texas at the end of the Civil War.

The Stockton Juneteenth Celebration is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way. The event includes poetry, historical presentations, food vendors, and live entertainment.

In honor of Juneteenth and Black Music Month, the Third Ward Cultural District will be offering a bus tour of the Third Ward.

Juneteenth commemorates the events of June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas when the last Black slaves of the Confederacy were ordered free.