The news of slaves’ emancipation arrived late in Texas, but freedom’s ring echoes into 2025.
More than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation ending slavery, it was on June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, and Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger ordered the 250,000 slaves in Texas finally be freed.
‘Juneteenth’ has long been celebrated, and it became a federal holiday in 2021.
Frankly, Chris Harvey says, festivities have been a bit muted since the COVID-19 pandemic, but Kilgore Legacy Foundation‘s president says more and more people are turning out each year, and he’s eager to see a crowd tomorrow at Kilgore City Park.
Locals have two opportunities to celebrate the freedom-focused holiday: on Flag Day, June 14, and then again on the day itself, June 19, with Kilgore Legacy Foundation hosting the earlier event and Kilgore Men & Women of Alliance planning more activities on Juneteenth.
Saturday’s event begins at 10 a.m. with a parade through downtown Kilgore, weather permitting. Participants plan to gather on East Danville Street before rolling out. Turning onto Kilgore Street, the line will proceed through downtown before turning onto Kays toward City Park.
“The fun in the park starts at 11,” Harvey said. “There’ll be free food – hot dogs, pulled pork, some brisket this time, maybe some hot links…”
Ragin’ Red Stomp & Shake will perform along with praise dancers, Harvey added, and Juneteenth’s 2025 King and Queen have been invited to read their winning essays.
Steven Young II earned the King’s crown this year alongside A’Shaila Lewis as Queen. Kilgore Legacy Foundation is also welcoming back 2024 Juneteenth Queen Makayla Smith.
“There’s a lot of stuff going on,” Harvey said, hoping for a clear forecast. “There should be a bounce house for the kids, and the splash pad’s always open.
“We’ll pretty much be hanging out and enjoying the day.”
For more than 155 years, the day was celebrated without it being a national holiday, and Harvey’s glad to see Juneteenth in the U.S. spotlight today.
“I feel like it’s celebrated in a good way. In Kilgore, we still try to keep the tradition going,” he added. “All people are welcome. It’s not an all-Black thing. We hope everybody will come out and support.
Despite the COVID years, “It’s coming back. A lot of people are starting to come back out and enjoy the day and celebrate with everybody,” enjoying the peace that freedom brings. “It’s not too big, and it’s not too small. It’s just a good, family-friendly environment.”
It’s also an opportunity to recruit new supporters of Kilgore Legacy Foundation’s ongoing efforts to benefit young people throughout the community.
“Mainly, our role is to provide students with opportunities to get a scholarship and further their education, whatever they want to do,” Harvey said. The group also pitches in with other local nonprofit’s efforts to support youth in Kilgore: “That’s what it was created for.”
