One hundred and sixty years after the announcement of freedom reached Galveston, Texas, the city continues to honor Juneteenth throughout the year. On 19 June 1865, a Union general informed enslaved African Americans in Galveston that they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This news was met with shock and jubilation, laying the foundation for what would become a Texas state holiday in 1980.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Jubilee Day, became the newest national holiday in 2021. Celebrated with parades, rallies, and cookouts across the US, Galveston stands out as the birthplace of this historic event.

Galveston honors the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth with various events, including a reenactment of General Order No 3. The city is committed to showcasing its African American history year-round, with plans for an International Juneteenth Museum to amplify narratives of the past, present, and future.

Travellers can explore Galveston's African American heritage through Juneteenth and Beyond tours, visiting sites like the Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the NIA Cultural Centre. The city's museums offer permanent exhibitions highlighting Juneteenth history and the contributions of the African American community.