By Madelyn Edwards
(DALLAS COUNTY, Texas) North Texas is gearing up to celebrate Juneteenth, the day that federal troops freed slaves in Galveston on June 19, 1865.
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but freedom did not reach slaves in Texas until Juneteenth, according to Britannica’s website.
NBC 5 reports that Juneteenth is the longest-running African-American holiday.
In Dallas County, Juneteenth celebrations will take place in Dallas and Irving.
In Dallas, there will be a march, parade and festival in Fair Park on the morning of Juneteenth. The event includes a car and bike show, international hair show, dominoes and spades tournament, horse competitions, Negro Baseball League Historical Exhibit, Vendors Village with food trucks and a free concert.
For more information on the Juneteenth Celebration, March and Festival, visit the event’s website.
On June 19 in Irving, there will be the Juneteenth Celebration and Pageant. The event begins at 3 p.m. at the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Museum, located at 3925 Jackson St, and it includes free food, a kids play zone, a museum tour, a DJ and a live band. For more information, call 972-721-2519.