On June 19, 1865, the abolition of slavery was announced in Texas from the balcony of the Ashton Villa in Galveston, ushering in a new era of American history. Even though this year’s Juneteenth falls on a Wednesday, the holiday will be celebrated throughout BCS with parades and music galore. The date is coming up soon, and we’re here to round up the various Juneteenth events happening around town!

Brazos Valley African American Heritage Parade

If you’d like to get started celebrating Juneteenth a few days early, the Brazos County Democratic Party is hosting a parade in Bryan on Saturday, June 15. The event will start at 9:00 a.m. at Carver Elementary and go until 12:00 p.m. at Sadie Thomas Park.

For more info, visit: http://bit.ly/2F5vb8m

Juneteenth Freedom Walk

On Wednesday, June 19, the City of College Station is hosting a legacy walk. This 2.2-mile journey starts at the Lincoln Recreation Center and ends at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and will be followed by storytelling. This all-ages, free event begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until 12:30 p.m.

For more info, visit: http://bit.ly/CSYouthPrograms

Praises at the Pavillion

The City of College Station is also hosting, according to their website, “an evening of celebration through songs and dance.” Area religious groups, spiritual groups, worship teams, and soloists will provide musical interpretations of this important, historical occasion. Praises at the Pavillion takes place at Lincoln Recreation Center’s W.A. Tarrow Pavilion and goes from 6:30—8:30 p.m.

For more info, visit: http://bit.ly/CSYouthPrograms

Free Family Juneteenth Celebration at the Brazos Valley African American Museum

The Brazos Valley African American Museum invites you spend Juneteenth at the museum. They will be hosting fantasy and folklore writer Van Alstyne who will be reading his fairy tale, “The Sweet Adventures of Henry P. Twist.” This event is from 5:00—7:00 p.m. Admission is free, and you can RSVP online at the museum’s website.

For more info, visit: http://bit.ly/2MUaIKn

Celebrating Juneteenth Freedom’s Legacy: Honoring Our Ancestors at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library is hosting master storyteller Oba William King, who will lead a program that is focused “on the value of lives of service as shown in our ancestral leaders.” This free program will take place on Juneteenth from 10:30—11:30 a.m. at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. You can register through the library’s website.

For more info, visit: http://bit.ly/2IBIK0d