June 19, 1865 was the day Major General Gordon Granger reached the city of Galveston with a proclamation from then-President Abraham Lincoln. The recitation of the Emancipation Proclamation in South Texas that day effectively proclaimed the freedom of slaves in Texas, the last state to receive the word.
Since then, the June 19th holiday, or Juneteenth, has grown in recognition culminating in its proclamation as a national holiday in 2021.
Locally, Juneteenth celebrations have brought people in Grayson County together for decades.
This year, the Concerned Citizens will be handling a festival and parade Saturday in Denison while Beyond the Walls is handling the 3-day festival in Sherman starting on June 19.
The parade in Denison will take place at 10 a.m. starting on MLK. Then there will be live entertainment, music and dancing, food and drinks and games at Munson Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, call 903-624-0184.
“Thursday was chosen to begin our celebration because June 19th is the actual date commemorated as Juneteenth,” Beyond the Walls founder and Sherman Juneteenth festival organizer Kristy Lea said in May. “We believe it’s important to open with education and aligning that with the historic date itself creates a powerful opportunity to teach, reflect, and honor our ancestors in the right spirit.”
The theme for this year is, “Freedom still rings.”
Day 1 will include food, music, songs, crafts and an educational lesson to go along with the celebration. This portion of the event will be held from 4-7 p.m. June 19 at East Street Park in Sherman.
The lesson will be taught by Dale Anderson who will be providing information on the Civil War.
Day 2 will be the freedom, fun and fellowship in the park. This event starts at 5 p.m. at MLK Park near Vernon Holland Memorial Drive in Sherman. There will be games, cards, bingo, food and drinks, and a movie under the stars.
“Dr. Leslie suggested “The Six Triple Eight,” and the committee was unanimously in agreement,” Kristy Lea said. “It’s a powerful, historically relevant film that aligns with our mission of educating and celebrating Black excellence.”
The Six Triple Eight was released in 2024 and stars Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian and Oprah Winfrey. It details the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all Black and all female battalion serving in World War II.
“That’s thanks to generous donations — Tyson provided 600 hamburger patties, and Hambrick Triple H has stepped in as a sponsor,” she said. “This is a family-friendly event where we want everyone to feel welcome and provided for.”
The weekend celebration will be capped off with the Saturday festival which will include a petting zoo, bounce houses, waterslides, face painting, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, motorcycle show and vendor’s fair.
“We’ve got a great variety lined up!” Kristy Lea said. “Expect to see vendors offering all types of beverages, freeze-dried fruits and veggies, candies, turkey legs, snow cones, salsas, baked goods, clothing, arts and crafts, and representation from civil rights organizations. There will be something for everyone! We are still welcoming more vendors.”
The day will begin with a community prayer at 10 a.m. The festival will follow.
Live entertainment will take place throughout the day and a gospel hour will feature the choir One Voice, Pastor Matt Barker of Changes Church in Gainesville, Topic Sounds of Whitewright, Dan Niblet with Pants on Fire Band.
A proclamation will be presented by Sherman Mayor Shawn Teamann and the mayor and City Council will honor educator Tommy Reasons for the work he does in the community.
Vendors are still be accepted and entertainers can reach out to Kristy Lea at KristyLea@btw8.org. Visit BTW8.oerg for more information.
She also emphasized this is an inclusive event where people of all backgrounds are welcome to participate as vendors or as a spectator.
“We keep showing up. We tell our stories. We teach our children,” she said. “We hold space for hard conversations and joyful celebrations alike. Awareness doesn’t start in politics—it starts in community. Every time we gather in love, truth, and legacy, we build something the world can’t ignore.
“We must also partner across generations, include allies, and use every platform we have—from social media to schools—to keep the truth visible and undeniable.
For those who have never attended a Juneteenth event, Kristy Lea said the event is about togetherness and joy.
“Come experience it for yourself,” she said. “Juneteenth isn’t just for Black people—it’s a celebration of freedom for all. You’ll find music, food, family, laughter, history, and heart.
These events are welcoming, joyful, and full of love. Whether you’re here to learn, connect, or celebrate, you belong. We’re stronger when we stand together, and there’s a place for everyone in the story of freedom.”
