Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation, made effective by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared that all persons held as slaves be freed, slavery persisted throughout the course of the Civil War.
It was not until two and a half years later, on June, 19 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, TX., to announce that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people were free.
Every June 19, thousands of Houstonians continue to visit Emancipation Park every year in the celebration commemorating the end of slavery in Texas.
Houston's Emancipation Park was acquired in 1872 by four previously enslaved African-Americans (Richard Allen, Richard Brock, Jack Gates and Elias Dibble). Between the four of them, $1,000 was raised for the purchase of 10 acres of land.
Emancipation Park was the only open space to African-Americans during portions of the Jim Crow period.
The Park's significance to the Houston African-American community remains as impactful today as it was in 1872.
Emancipation Park is a true legacy of Texas African-American Heritage and a gift to humanity for all generations.
NWSL x Black Women's Player Collective Juneteenth Shirt - Inspired by the colors of African flags symbolizing black liberation. The fist exemplifying Black pride and solidarity. The soaring bird represents the heights we have achieved. The player silhouette representing the black communities.
The seeds we plant. The flowers we share. MLS x Gianni Lee special edition Juneteenth-inspired number and patch. Gianni's illustration is a stunning celebration of African culture and its impact on the world, showcasing unity, progress and hope of the future.
Freedmen's Town is a historic district in Houston that was established by newly feed slaves after the Civil War.
The area quickly became a thriving community, with residents building homes, churches, and schools.
Today, Freedman's Town is recognized as a historic distract and efforts are underway to preserve its remaining historic buildings and landmarks. The district is home to a number of museums, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Today we celebrate the end of the slavery and honor the perseverance and resilience of the black community. Let's continue to fight for freedom, equality and justice for all.
