Juneteenth refers to June 19, 1865, the day soldiers arrived at the Port of Galveston informing enslaved people about President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation announcing the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate states. More than two years after the proclamation was read and signed, the nearly 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were the last people under Confederate rule to learn of their newly attained status.
For more than 100 years, Juneteenth has been a Texas cultural holiday, but in 2021 the day became a national holiday.
Local communities have been hosting Juneteenth celebrations for years and 2024 is no different. Here are five things to know about this year’s Juneteenth celebration hosted by Grayson United.
1. 3-day celebration
Juneteenth weekend in Grayson County will start on Friday with a youth day. Events will be centered around history and the significance of Juneteenth. There will also be interactive programs with games and cash prizes.
Discussion topics include: “Juneteenth 101 – Leading up to Emancipation” presented by Erik Jackson of Grayson United, “Juneteenth 102 – Emancipation and what followed, up until present” presented by Sherman Riot of 1030 Historical Marker Commitee member Kurt Cichowski, “The Role of the Church concerning freedom” presented by Pastor Charles Leslie II, “Sherman’s History of Juneteenth” presented by Sherman Riot of 1930 Historical Marker Committee member Melissa Cole and “African history/African American history – the connection” presented by Grayson graduate Makayla C. Hill.
Saturday will be festival day kicking off with a prayer in the streets at noon. Then there will be a vendor’s and artisans event mean to highlight “The rich cultural heritage of our community,” organizer Kristy Kyles said.
“We’re also honored to welcome Keynote Speaker Judge Staci Williams, who is running for the 5th District Court of Appeals,” she continued. “Judge Williams will share her insights and inspire us with her vision for a more just and equitable society.”
That day will end with a street dance.
“On Sunday, the final day of our Juneteenth Celebration, we’re thrilled to present The Big Finish – a special event for the kids who participated in our Friday Night educational program!,” Kyles said.
2. Entertainment
“We’re eager to amplify our gospel segment and invite more churches to partner with us in this outreach opportunity!,” event planner Kristy Kyles said in an email interview in May. “By joining forces, we can share the love of Jesus with our community and showcase their ministry’s talents.
As for this year’s local celebration, the youth band from Greater Harvest North Church in Sherman and the Dappersol Band will be performing Saturday.
Grayson United was seeking poets, steppers and dancers, dance groups and others who may want to give an uplifting performance.
3. Vendors and food
Vendors range for food, fitness, candidate information, organization’s information, products for sell, health screening, domestic violence awareness group and blood bank.
4. For the kids
“As a reward for completing their Rights of Passage, young achievers will enjoy a fun-filled pool party at The Splash Pool, complete with free entry, delicious food and refreshing drinks,” Kyles said
Juneteenth and other Grayson United events are open to all who wish to attend.
“We welcome people from all backgrounds to join us in celebrating our freedom and heritage,” Kyles said about the importance of community and unity at the celebrations. “We didn’t fight for freedom alone; it’s a victory for everyone. We believe that understanding and embracing our culture is essential for building a more inclusive society.”
5. History and continuation
“To those who don’t feel connected to the Black community, we invite you to come learn about our history and culture,” Kyles said. “It’s crucial for people of all races to understand the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans, from our ancestors’ contributions to the building of this nation to our ongoing fight for equality.”
She also said that knowing history is essential to societal advancement and honoring the sacrifices ancestors made for future generations.
“Black history is American history, and we must acknowledge the blood, sweat, and tears that have shaped this country,” Kyles said. “From the traffic light invented by Garrett Morgan to the electric industry founded by Lewis Latimer, Black people have made significant contributions that have improved lives and modernized our world.
“Let’s come together to educate ourselves and promote equality, not separation. Join us in our celebration and learning journey, and let’s build a more inclusive future for all.”
Grayson United has partnered with Beyond the Walls Outreach have planned for future events planned.
A back-to-school celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 4 on the Sherman Municipal Grounds.
There will be a barbecue cook off with cash prizes, stylists and barber on site offering free hair styles and cuts and a school supply giveaway.
In November, will be a Thanksgiving Blessing box event.
On December 14 at 2 p.m., the “Urban Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway” will be held in the Sherman Municipal Ballroom. The event will be held in partnership with Toys for Tots. That evening will be the winter ball held at the same location at 9 p.m.
