More than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. There the troops announced and implemented the freedom of all enslaved people. That day, over 250,000 Black people were freed from slavery in Texas.
Now known as Juneteenth, the holiday commemorates the freedom of Black Americans and celebrates Black history, art, and culture. It’s also a reminder of the work still required of us all toward racial justice in our country.
While Juneteenth has been celebrated in Texas and throughout the U.S. since 1865, it was only in 2021 that the day was finally recognized as a federal holiday. And El Paso is joining in the celebrations. Find out what’s going on around town below.
El Paso Area Juneteenth Celebrations and Events
June 16 – 19 | New Mexico Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival
Various locations around Las Cruces, NM
The Branigan Cultural Center, NM Music Commissioner Derrick Lee, and the Doña Ana County NAACP and Doña Ana Arts Council present the third annual “New Mexico Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival.” Get all the details here.
June 17 | Family Day: Juneteenth
El Paso Museum of History
Join this free “Family Day” event to recognize the histories and stories behind Juneteenth, while celebrating with artist, educator, and performer Anthony Michael Stokes. Anthony–alongside Ayo and Angeline patchwork puppets inspired by the traditions of the rag doll in African cultures and representing a collection of the Black diaspora’s hopes and dreams–will take you on an immersive journey through book reading/history lesson/performance that not only shares the importance of Juneteenth, but the message that we are all a collection of those people and experiences we have come across in our lives. Visitors will be invited to build their own puppets. Learn more.
June 17 | Inaugural Juneteenth Cultural Celebration Gala
Attend this Juneteenth Cultural Celebration Gala on Saturday, June 17th from 7 pm-12 am at the Abraham Chavez Theater in downtown El Paso. The evening is black tie, and will be a gorgeous celebration of Black excellence in our community, cultural art, music and dance, Southern food, and signature cocktails. Learn more.
June 17 | Juneteenth and Jams
Ms. Fee brings her R&B song stylings to the Juneteenth and Jams concert on El Paso Streetcar 1511. Boardings starts at 6 pm. with boarding at the Convention Center Stop in downtown, at Santa Fe and Henry Trost. Reservations are encouraged but not necessary. Learn more.
June 17 | Juneteenth Free Community Celebration
Nations Tobin Park | 8831 Railroad
Presented by Black El Paso Voice and the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation, this FREE fun-filled day is family-friendly and offers a variety of activities for all ages. Compete in the BBQ competition and participate in classic outdoor games like hula hoop, frisbee, and sack races. There will be games and prizes for all ages, so come ready to have fun and win big. Learn more.
June 18 | Caribena Events Juneteenth Celebration
Join Caribena Events for a day of fun, food, and celebration at the Juneteenth Celebration 2023! This year’s event will take place on Sunday, June 18 at 114 West Mills Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901. Caribena Events will be celebrating the end of slavery in the United States with live music, dancing, and delicious food from local vendors. Learn more.
Round-Up of Resources & Articles
What You Should Know About Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom | Dallas Moms
Juneteenth: A White Mom’s Primer | Oklahoma City Mom
Juneteenth A Federal Holiday: Three Things to Know About It | Iowa City Moms
Celebrating Juneteenth | Alamo City Moms
Juneteenth: Learn the History and Join the Jubilee | Detroit Mom
Looking for more events around town? Check out our Guide to June.
