More than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. There the troops announces 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 18 & 19 | 915 Freedom Festival
Amano Collective | 210 Poplar Street, El Paso, TX 79901
The event is open to all ages. Find live music and performances, market place w/ local vendors, community resources, music, artist & artisan creative works, public speakers, poetry readings, and much more. Children 5 and under are free. Get more details and tickets here.
June 19 | Juneteenth Event with El Paso Chihuahuas
El Paso, TX Chihuahuas Baseball Stadium
June 14 – 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 second annual “New Mexico Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival.” There are events every day from Tuesday, June 14 through Sunday, June 19, 2022. Get all the details here.
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.
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