Anastasia Logan
Events All Over The Dallas Area Are Set To Celebrate The Texas-Originated Holiday, Including Marches, Dance Protests, Film Showcases And More.
A number of Juneteenth celebrations will commence in the Dallas Fort-Worth area over the next few days, honoring a historic moment that is powering a new generation of civil rights activists.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Texas to deliver nationwide news of the freedom of slaves — at the time, Texas was the last state to join the Union, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. However, it wasn’t until January 1, 1980 that Texas finally declared it an official state holiday, with 46 other states following suit thereafter. This year, the holiday will coincide with ongoing police brutality protests across the country.
Still, more than 150 years after the historic announcement, Black Americans are still not seeing total racial equality and justice.
In fact, one of many modern forms of slavery is observed in Prison labor, as it’s allowed through a loophole within the 13th Amendment.
It is long known that racial disparities exist among the prison system in the U.S., and prison wages wages range from less than 12 cents to $1 per hour to fight wildfires, answer customer service calls or even package Starbucks coffee. There has been little reform over prison labor standards, and as such, celebrating freedom isn’t across the finish line when traces of the practice linger.
Even though Juneteenth has Texas roots, it is celebrated throughout the United States and worldwide. Most recently, Virgina made Juneteenth a state holiday and took it one step further in announcing it will join Texas in recognizing it as a paid holiday.
The fight is far from over, though. Many people across North Texas will continue to protest as they celebrate the holiday, so consider going out to one of the many events listed below to commemorate Juneteenth in this historic moment in our history. And please, wear your mask.
Wednesday
Juneteenth Celebration – A Virtual Experience
Celebrate Juneteenth from the comfort of your home with this five-part web series featuring cultural performances, storytelling and a musical finale. All events will be uploaded to the Desoto City Youtube channel for accessibility.
Thursday
Juneteenth ’20: Virtual Pop Up Film Event
The Denton Black Film Festival is hosting a free virtual film screening to “Entertain, Educate and Inspire.” Five short films will be featured, and tickets can be claimed on the organization’s Facebook page.
Juneteenth Celebration – A Virtual Experience
Celebrate Juneteenth from the comfort of your home with this five-part web series featuring cultural performances, storytelling and a musical finale. All events will be uploaded to the Desoto City Youtube channel for accessibility
Friday
MLK Jr. Juneteenth Drive-Thru Celebration
The Martin Luther King Jr. community center will host this event from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m where community members can receive free non-perishable food items, hygiene kits and household products. Attendees are asked to follow all social distancing guidelines.
Not My Son Juneteenth Celebration
Not my Son is set to host its first Juneteeth celebration at Lofty Space starting at 3 p.m. This free event will include food, drinks, music, raffles and games.
Juneteenth Day of Action
Join In Defense of Black Lives at Dallas City Hall at 1 p.m. for Black Lives Weekend. A march with music will follow, and all attendees are asked to wear a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines.
Juneteenth Social Injustice Rally
This social injustice rally will be hosted by Glenn Heights Councilman Jeremy Woods starting at 6 p.m. at Heritage Community Park. Attendees are asked to bring face masks, hand sanitizer, additional water and follow all social distancing guidelines.
Juneteenth Peaceful Protest
The Dallas Black Firefighters Association is hosting a protest for police reform, equality for all and ending systemic racism. The march will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Black Firefighters Association house and will conclude at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Attendees are asked to wear a face mask and follow all social distancing guidelines.
Texas Strong Dance Protest
The DFW Dance Hub is once again calling all dancers to join it in standing up against police brutality. This event will start at 3 p.m. at JFK Memorial Plaza and will feature key speakers and community leaders.
March of Solidarity
Dallas Greek Picnic Weekend and The Black Greek Network are hosting a unified march at 5 p.m. starting at the corner of MLK Jr. and Malcolm X Boulevards. They are asking that all DFW Greeks join them in a march that will conclude at Dallas City Hall.
A Juneteenth Celebration
An all day event hosted at Black Coffee in Fort Worth. There will be a pop up African market with local vendors and music provided by DJ Asa Ace.
Juneteenth Ancestor March and Vigil
A candlelit march beginning at 8:30 p.m. at the Tarrant County Courthouse. There will be a time of prayer and mediation at the end of the event.
Juneteenth Celebration
This event will be hosted by St. John Baptist Church of Carrollton, Texas from 1 to 2 p.m. Live entertainment, food and learning about African culture will be included. All community members are encouraged to come out and celebrate.
Denton Juneteenth Celebration
All events for the official Denton Juneteenth celebration will be conducted in a virtual manner to allow for uninterrupted celebration. The full schedule can be found online.
Juneteenth Celebration – A Virtual Experience
Celebrate Juneteenth from the comfort of your home with this five-part web series featuring cultural performances, storytelling and a musical finale. All events will be uploaded to the Desoto City Youtube channel for accessibility
Juneteenth Celebration
Grace Counseling Services will host this celebration at Fred Moore Park from 5 to 10 p.m. Events include a talent show, karaoke and a basketball tournament. There will also be food trucks, vendors and bounce houses. All COVID-19 social distancing guidelines will be followed for attendees’ safety.
Black Lives Matter Juneteenth Rally
Join the Black Lives Matter Rockwall chapter for an immersive Juneteenth experience at Harry Myers Park from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be an art display, speeches, food trucks and various local Black business vendors. Attendees are asked to wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
Saturday
Lead The Change: Juneteenth Rally
A rally for justice, accountability, reform and education will start at 2:30 p.m. in Klyde Warren Park. Organizers urge people to come together to create a more just and equal system for future generations.
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Cover photo by Anastasia Logan.