Blue Humanities & Business

Celebrating Juneteenth in Galveston

The "Absolute Equality" mural was painted last year by artist Reginald Adams to commemorate and celebrate the Juneteenth holiday that originated in Galveston. The location marks where the Osterman Building

Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, celebrates the emancipation of those enslaved in the United States. On June 19, 1865, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced that all enslaved individuals were to be freed. General Order 3, enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation, is said to have been read at several locations on the island, including the balcony of Ashton Villa, Reedy AME Chapel, U.S. Customs House & Court House and the Osterman Building, which now features the ”Absolute Equality” Mural, giving our small island community a significant historical role in Juneteenth. 

The order read, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”

Juneteenth celebrations have become a part of African American heritage, and the holiday is commemorated with parades, educational events, concerts and more across the United States. Though Texas has celebrated Juneteenth as a state holiday since 1980, President Joe Biden signed the holiday into federal law in 2021.

“The importance of Juneteenth is to celebrate the history and success of African Americans,” said Prandon Powell ‘25, Mykila Albertie ‘26, Cameron Henderson ‘24 and Ajeanai Vawar ‘26, who together make up the officer board of the Black Student Alliance at the Galveston campus. “The holiday can be used as a beacon to broadcast how far we’ve grown as African Americans as a community, with influences in STEM, Black Owned Businesses, and Black Entertainment bringing all our experiences together. Juneteenth is a celebration of our progression in America and what it means to be African American.”

Local Juneteenth celebrations are already in full swing. With over two dozen events across Galveston Island, these commemorations honor the holiday’s historical significance and foster unity, cultural appreciation and the recognition of African American contributions to our country and the world. People from all backgrounds are invited to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people and reflect on the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.