SAN ANTONIO — This Sunday is Juneteenth, the anniversary of the official end of slavery in the U.S., and several organizations are offering ways to honor the holiday here in San Antonio.
The official end of slavery happened on June 19, 1865. On that day, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. That was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War.
For many, the holiday is both a time of reflection and a time of celebration. In San Antonio, the day will be commemorated with live music, a health fair, and events honoring the Black art community.
Take a look:
Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration
- Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19
- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Comanche Park (#2 2600 Rigsby Ave.)
- Free admission, with events including a picnic, festival and freedom fair
Juneteenth Market Pop-up Shop
- Saturday, June 18, at noon
- 3455 Martin Luther King Dr.
- Free to the public
Juneteenth & Summer Solstice Farmers Market
- Saturday, June 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Gardopia Gardens (619 North New Braunfels Ave.)
- Free admission, with events including vendors, workshops, distribution of fresh produce
Juneteenth Family Festival
Juneteenth Night at the Missions
- Saturday, June 18, at 7 p.m.
- Nelson Wolff Stadium (5757 U.S. Highway 290 West)
- $75 per ticket, with game including a celebration of baseball's Black history and a chance to meet former players from the South Texas Negro League
Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom Documentary Screening
- Tobin Center
- Monday, June 20
- 2 p.m.
- Includes live performances and a panel discussion
Black History Film Series
- Fri, Oct 7, 7:30 – 9:30 PM
- Hemisfair Park
434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX