2024 June Unite

Gallery

Lewis Tutt: Former Slave, Police Officer, Businessman, and Philanthropist Page 5

Springfield Musical Pioneer George Culp turns 100 Years Old Page 6

Mama G’s Soul Food will open a second location Downtown SGF Page 7

Information about 2024 Springfield Juneteenth Celebration Events Page 15/16

Page 12/13

From the Editor

On June 19, 1865, months after the Civil War ended and more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation — Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free 250,000 people still held in bondage. The arrival of Major General Gordon Granger and his troops signaled that the federal government would not relent until the last enslaved people in America were free.

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill making Juneteenth the eleventh American federal holiday and the first to obtain legal observance as a federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was designated in 1983, by president Ronald Regan. Read the historical account in this edition.

This year, Springfield will hold the largestest Junteenth celebration in Southwest Missouri over the course of five days in six different locations. There will be numerous activities, information, and entertainment, providing something for the entire family. Be sure to check our announcements and posters on pages 15 and 16 of this edition.

As always, we extend an open invitation to our readers. If you have news or stories to share, please reach out to us via email or phone. Your contributions play a significant role in enriching our content and strengthening our community bonds. So, dive into our Juneteenth issue and celebrate the history with us!

Best,

Samuel G. Knox President & Managing Editor

Volume 34, Number 6

MANAGEMENT

PRESIDENT & MANAGING EDITOR, Samuel G. Knox

ASSOCIATE EDITOR, Tyra Knox

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, Mary Gartner

CONTENT

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Melesha Bailey

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Gwen Marshall

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Vickie Hicks

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Heather Noggle

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Mahalia Boyd

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Paige Paxton

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Mallory O. Vorel

SOCIAL MEDIA, Jessica Matschiner, Sidekick Social

CREATIVE TEAM

GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox

WEB DEVELOPER, Christopher Palma

CONTENT CREATOR, Mallory O. Vorel

UniteNews publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Our goal is to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of the African American talent, community resources, and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area.

Distribution of UniteNews is by free circulation at various locations. You may subscribe and have a copy delivered by mail to your home or office by writing to UniteNews, P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801. For a one-year subscription, please send $25.00 for shipping, and handling.

Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of UniteNews of Southwest Missouri, Inc.

The UniteNews Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.

For more information, you can contact us at our business office at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com

Chapel - University Chapel Crematory -

Adventure Begins at the Library for All Ages, Including Adults

Kids - Start Your Summer Adventure at the Library!

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

Adventures will abound during the 2024 Summer Reading Program. Great programs, performers, and so much more will kick-start everyone’s summer adventure. Beginning June 1, pick up a game board at any library branch or the Mobile Library, or log on to thelibrary.org/summerreading and follow the links to register for the reading program that fits. Start logging reading minutes and complete the activities to earn great prizes.

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

W. Bruce Howell • Don R. Lohmeyer • Heather K. Howell • Clint W. Mease

W. Bruce Howell · Robert J. Lohmeyer · Don R. Lohmeyer · Heather K. Howell · Clint W. Mease

Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane

W. Bruce Howell · Robert J. Lohmeyer · Don R. Lohmeyer · Heather K. Howell · Clint W. Mease

W. Bruce Howell · Robert J. Lohmeyer · Don R. Lohmeyer · Heather K. Howell · Clint W. Mease

Angela N. Collins • Harley R. Williams * Andy D. Vowell • Dulcinea M. Lane

Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane

Kids will grow their reading skills while they earn great prizes. Game boards help motivate kids to keep reading. Kids also benefit from being read to, even before they can read on their own. It builds pre-reading and comprehension skills. Listening to others read also counts towards reading time.

Nicole E. Bauer • Angie Howell Larsen

Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane

Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen

1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen

Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen

1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

This year’s program includes:

Locally owned and operated for over 70 years

1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

Locally owned and operated for over 70 years

Locally owned and operated for over 70 years

• Prizes! Tiny Tots & Preschoolers, Kids and Teens can earn a Fresh Start Fine Waiver Card upon completing your first activity – as soon as June 1. Free books and a Summer Youth Passport can be picked up beginning June 8 through August 10 at any library branch or the Mobile Library.

• Keep reading! Earn Star Reader entries in the end-of-summer drawings. Prizes include book bags, coupons for free books, gift cards and more!

• Be amazed by magicians, musicians and mad scientists at the great programs planned.

• Explore our community at five Fantastic Fridays events.

•••

Adults – Why Should Kids Have All the Fun?

The Summer Reading Program for adults also runs from June 1 – August 10. Register at thelibrary.org/summerreading and log books. Or, log your registration on a game board available at the checkout desk of any library branch or the Mobile Library. Log five books and five activities to get a Library logo prize! Keep reading all summer long. Every book you log earns you an entry into our end-of-summer prize.

To learn more, pick up a copy of Summer Bookends, available on May 22 at all Library locations. The Friends of the Library generously sponsor the summer reading programs.

For more information on these and other great programs, visit thelibrary.org. Vickie Hicks is the community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at vickieh@ thelibrary.org.

12pm - 8pm Saturday: 10am – 6pm Sunday: 1pm - 5pm

For more information on these and other great programs, visit thelibrary. org. Katy Pattison is the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch manager for Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at katyp@thelibrary.org.

Community News

Springfield Musical Pioneer George Culp Turns 100

Mallory O. Vorel UniteNews Staff Writer

Culp has celebrated his 100th birthday. A Springfield native and a long time musician. Culp was a member of the Philharmonics, an acapella group that traces its roots to gospel music. The group toured in the 1950s, and were mainstays on Ozarks Jubilee. Performing with acts seen on the Grand Ole Opry, as well as on CBS, the Phils were one of the first musical acts regularly presented on national TV. They brought black voices to the homes of thousands of viewers.

According to Si Siman’s book Remembering the Ozarks Jubilee, “Springfield, Missouri, was the third-highest origination point for national television — third only to New York and Hollywood.” We sat down with Mr. Culp to

The Philharmonics in the 1950s (l-r): Chick Rice, James Logan, Elbridge Moss, Homer Boyd and George Culp

reflect on his time touring. “My very favorite show was when we sang in Wichita. A very good friend of ours found acts to play in Wichita, and he arranged a show for us.”

Early on in the Phils’ career, they played The Original Youth Opportunity Program, A musical

competition broadcast on CBS, hosted by big band personality Horace Heidt. The Phils won the talent show twice, which was a huge boost to the group’s notoriety. They were asked to play on KY3, which was also making its debut. From there, they were picked up by Ozarks Jubilee.

“Touring, meeting other musicians was always nice,” said Culp, on his experience on the show.“Being invited to perform was very exciting, it built the group up. They (Ozarks Jubilee) gave all the acts record contracts. They never gave us one.” Consequently, it’s become a real challenge to hear the Phils sing, anymore.

Their music is in part preserved through the Ozarks Jubilee Digitization Project, on Youtube. Finding the Philharmonics in your local record store would be an exceedingly rare find, however, the band did get their contract, in time. Cardinal Records produced two singles from

the group, “Teen Town Hop,” and “That’s Why I’m Losing You.” One of the Phils’ performances on Jubilee is linked through SGF Citizen’s article, in which they sing “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.” It’s a real treat, and you can hear it by following the QR Code.

Culp’s favorite song to sing with the Phils was “Children Go where I send Thee,” which also proves a difficult find.

The Philharmonics is one of Springfield’s earliest black acts that saw success. I’d like to invite our readers in on preserving the group’s music. Maybe one day, we can get the Phils a greatest hits record produced. Mayor McClure officially made the 4th of May “George Culp Day,” and I can’t think of a better gift to give him for his 101st.

To the young singer, George Culp has this to say: “Work hard. Try to get set up with a manager. Accomplish and learn as much as you can. Music is a pain that makes people happy. It’s a good thing to work hard on.”

Scan the QR Code to view a performance by The Philharmonics of “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.”

Showing Springfield Like Never Before: Ride Eway Scooters

By Paige Paxton UniteNews Contributing Writer

Marquez Williams always had an entrepreneurial mindset and knew he wanted to start his own business. But he wasn’t exactly sure what kind of business he wanted to run. He started a t-shirt business, a moving company and even started an Uber-like service before it was “Uber.”

Then the road to Eway, LLC just opened up for him.

Williams and his brother, Trey Northern, visited Tulsa, OK. There, they noticed a new means of transportation in the downtown area, E-scooters.

“We were hanging out and saw these scooters and started talking. ‘This would be crazy in Springfield. It’s such a flat ground area and not too many hills,’” Williams remembers. “It was one of those situations where I knew instantly what I wanted to do.”

They came back to Springfield and immediately reached out to several e-scooter companies to see if there was a possibility of getting the scooters to Springfield. However, Springfield just wasn’t a big enough market for those companies.

That was all the brothers needed to hear: They would target markets with populations of 300,000 or less. With Eway, they would bring scooters to previously overlooked areas especially in the Midwest.

Finding a new home for Eway

Eway launched on Sept. 9, 2021, in a strip mall on South Campbell several miles south of

the downtown area.

“It wasn’t an ideal convenient location,” Williams said. “If you wanted to use a scooter, you had to come to our office, pay and then load a scooter up and drive it somewhere.”

With the natural beauty of the Ozarks, the Greenways trails, and the parks systems, Eway did find a sliver of their market willing to do the trek to southside SGF. Downtown was the place they wanted to grow, though.

In 2022, Eway found its downtown home at efactory. In addition to finding a space to operate the small business from, Williams has sought business support from the consultants at the Missouri SBDC.

The support goes beyond projections, plans, paperwork and

strategy. Williams is thankful for the environment and the networking opportunities he’s found at efactory.

Williams points out that networking intimidates many people more than operating a business, but that networking is essential to growing a business.

“Maybe this person really can help you out down the road,” he said. “If I could say anything to anybody as far as starting a business, I would say do it. There’s a lot of businesses that are still needed in Springfield, but also in the world. Talk to people and find an idea that could be your business.”

Building a new commute style Eway now has 33 scooters in

operation, mostly in downtown Springfield. And they’re working on a plan to more than double that inventory.

“If you’re taking public transportation, it’s usually about a mile walk to a bus stop and then a mile walk from the bus to your destination. That was the initial gap a lot of scooter companies were wanting to close. And then it started to become more of a leisure thing,” Williams said.

“Scooters allow you to get to where you need to go on your time, without having to share your ride with someone – even your driver. It’s there to help you be free to explore the city.”

Marquez Williams, Co-Owner of Ride Eway Electric Scooter Company

Celebrate Life & Unity Honors Living Legends who are 90 years or older

Celebrate Life & Unity Committee members

Springfield, MO—The April Celebrate Life & Unity event honored living legends aged 90 years or older in the Springfield African American community. Approximately 100 guests came out to reconnect with friends and family, and to welcome new families to the community.

There were vendors, door prizes, food, and games. A balloon artist was present, adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed mingling and reminiscing. The committee showcased dance moves, and a memorial table honored past members of the community. The event was held at the Teamster Local #245 in the community room.

Shirley Blakley

George Culp

Bishop David Knox

Georgia Q Burton

Patricia Duncan Clara Patterson

Rosetta Clarida

Charlene Fisher

Betty Ransom

Gertha Clark Joe Jefferson

Audrey Robinson

Alma Clay

Friday Knight Bernice Stafford

Mama G’s Soul Food will open a second location Downtown!

By Mallory O. Vorel, UniteNews Staff Writer

Mama G’s Soul Food gets a second location Downtown!

Can’t decide on dinner? Why don’t we go and try Mama G’s Soul Food?

Ask anyone with a good head on their shoulders, and they’ll say that their mom is the best cook they know. Gloria Hairston has been cooking all her life. “It’s been my passion all my life. Me and my mom actually used to do catering. I started out doing sweet treats and fruit designs. I did Farmers Market at Metro eats, which that’s where my Mama G’s location is right now,”

That legacy in the cooking shows, and Mama G’s is oftentimes a packed house.

“It does sell out. It sells out pretty fast. I’ll look up and the lines out the door, and that’s why I decided to make the move and go ahead and do an actual sit down location,” says Hairston.

Mama G’s is opening its second location in Downtown Springfield, just across from the old Hollywood Theaters. “Our first location is inside Metro Eats, 2463 West Sunshine, Suite 124. Then my second location will be opening at the end of June, and that’s downtown. It’s 210, South Market, Suite 124.”

Mama G’s is primed to be a new favorite, in this contributor’s humble opinion. They make a Shrimp boil, they offer rotating specials, the fried chicken even has a trade secret marinade, so you know it HAS to be good.

“There’s six things that I do. Fried chicken, meatloaf, and stuff like that. I have that available every single day. And then I add my special items, and I post them

on Facebook.”

Mama G’s has been filling bellies over on Sunshine for a solid two years now, and with

lines bursting out the door every day they’re opening of a second location is exactly what the business needs. Mama G’s is looking to bring good company, good smells, and even better food to Market Street.

If you’re a fan of the old shop, don’t fret!, “As long as we can handle two locations, we will keep those two locations,” says Hairston.

Why don’t we all go out to eat tonight? Mama G’s is currently serving dinner at 2463 W Sunshine from 5 pm-8 pm on Monday and Wednesday, 3 pm-8 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Lunch is also served on Thursdays and Fridays from 12 pm to 2 pm.

The downtown location is scheduled to open at the end of June 2024.

Gloria Hairston

Food Shown: Salmon croquettes, chicken tenders, hush puppies, Mac n cheese, cornbread & Mama G’s salmon sauce

Your Health & Wellness News

Mindful Eating: Nourishing Your Body and Soul

By Melesha Bailey, UniteNews Contributing Writer

In our fast-paced, multitasking lives, we often eat in a rush, in front of screens, or while juggling multiple things. Mindless eating has become the norm. Take time to savor the flavors and textures of our food.

Mindful eating prompts us to slow down, pay attention, and enjoy the food in front of us. It’s not about what we eat but how we eat and benefits our physical and mental well-being.

At its core, mindful eating is a sensory adventure. It’s about using all our senses to fully immerse ourselves in the eating experience— from our meals’ vibrant colors and enticing aromas to the rich tastes and satisfying textures as we chew. By slowing down and paying attention to each bite, we can better appreciate the flavors and nourishment that our food provides.

One key benefit of mindful eating is improved digestion. Eating with intention allows our bodies to digest and assimilate nutrients from our food. Chewing slowly and thoroughly assists in the breakdown of food, which makes it easier for our bodies to absorb essential nutrients. Slowing down helps digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. You will notice that you feel more comfortable and energized after meals.

Thinking about our food choices helps us be more attuned to our body’s hunger and fullness cues. Learning to distinguish between physical hunger and craving can help prevent overeating and emotional eating. Paying attention to how

different foods make us feel, we can make more conscious choices about what we put into our bodies, opting for foods that nourish us and support our health and well-being. Not only does it have physical benefits, but it also correlates to our emotional and mental health. By bringing our full attention to the present moment, we cultivate a greater gratitude and appreciation for the food on our plates. The goal is to encourage a healthier relationship with food, free from guilt or judgment. Mindful eating helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It provides a time of calm and relaxation in my busy life. Taking the time to enjoy a meal without distractions allows us to fully experience the pleasure of eating. It can help us

Financial News

Be Prepared for Major Life Events

feel more satisfied and content. So, how can we make mindful eating a part of our daily routine? It’s easier than you might think. It starts with simple, manageable practices that we can effortlessly incorporate into our meals. Begin by taking a moment to slow down and take a few deep breaths before eating. Pause for a moment to appreciate the appearance and aroma of your food before taking the first bite. Chew slowly to savor each mouthful. Pay attention to the taste and texture. Put away the phone or computer and bring your focus to eating.

A mindful eating practice is a powerful tool that can transform how we engage with food and nourish our body and soul.  We can improve digestion, make better food choices, and cultivate a deeper sense of well-being. Slow down, savor each bite, and truly nourish yourselves from the inside out.

By Mahalia Boyd, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Financial planning is more than just managing your day-to-day finances; it’s about preparing for the future and life events that will inevitably occur. Three of the most significant financial milestones people often encounter are purchasing a home, investing in their children’s education, and planning retirement.

Home purchase is the most substantial investment you will make in your lifetime. It requires up front capital for a down payment. yearly real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance, insurance deductible, and maintenance costs. Therefore, planning for a home purchase starts

with saving for a down payment. The down payment typically ranges from 5% to 20% of the home’s price, so it’s critical to have a savings plan tailored to achieve this goal.

Also, you should consider your credit score, as it can significantly impact the interest rate on your mortgage.

Education, whether for yourself or your children, is another significant expense that requires careful financial planning. WIth the cost of educationrising, lack of proper planning can lead to substantial debt. Start by researching

different savings options, such as 529 plans that offer tax advantages for educational expenses. It’s crucial to start saving as early as possible to lessen the burden when the time comes.

Retirement is the third life event that requires meticulous financial planning. It’s a long-term goal that can seem far off when you’re young, but the earlier you start saving, the better off you’ll be in your retirement. A common rule of thumb is to save at least 15% of your income for retirement. If your employer offers retirement benefits, such as a 401(k)

match, make sure you’re taking full advantage of them. In addition, diversify your investments to spread the risk and increase your returns.       One of the common mistakes people make when planning for these life events is forgetting to consider inflation. The cost of living tends to increase over time, so what seems like a substantial saving today isn’t sufficient in the future. Therefore, inflation is an essential consideration when setting your saving goals. Remember that financial planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. Everyone’s situation and goals are unique, so what works for one person may not work for another.          To successfully plan for these

Continued on page 11

Melesha Bailey

Mahalia Boyd

Be Prepared

Continued from page 10

major life events, you need to understand your current financial position, where you would like to be in the future, and how you and your family are protected with income replacement through term life insurance. Start by setting clear, achievable goals for each stage of life. Then, create a budget that includes these goals and stick to it. Regularly review and adjust your budget as your income, expenses, and goals change.         Planning for life events like home purchases, education expenses, and retirement is a continuous

process that requires discipline, foresight, and adaptability. Make it a resolution in 2024 to set clear goals, make a budget, and regularly review your financial plan. With our FREE Financial Needs Analysis (FNA), we can provide you with a roadmap to navigate the correct paths of saving, providing for education costs, and a custom-tailored path to accomplishing your goals and milestones with confidence and stability.

Mahalia Boyd

Primerica Representative

Email: mahalia.boyd@primerica.com

Instagram @mahaliaboyd

Registration Deadline

Black History Summer Academy is extending it’s registration date to June 7, 2024. The doors for the Academy will open at 5:30 pm. The evening meal will be served at 6:00 pm.

Schedule for the week:

Parking is available across the street from Drury University, Lay Hall, 900 N. Benton in lot #6 along Benton Ave.

Monday: Drury University, Lay Hall

Tuesday, Silver Springs Park, 1100 N. Hampton

Wednesday, Drury University, Lay Hall

Thursday, Drury University, Lay Hall Friday, The Double Tree, 2431 N. Glenstone The Ariya Celebration 6:00 pm

Black History

Summer Academy

Congratulations Senior Class of 2024

Always remember “the road to success begins with you.”

Central High School

Glendale High School

Isaiah Batiste Matias Bedell Tyrique Brooks Olivia Catlin Samuel Cummings Noah Eckwood Tigris Fewell-Davis Inahya Gates

Dalvin Adams Devin Adams

Yazmin Loudermill

Arayah Sanders

Caylen Woodard Kailise Lozoya

Sandriana Sanders

Nina Malega Lamarion Markwick Jacya McMillion DaVarius Moore

Kenyan Hendrix Trinity Derico Jackson

Jade Murray Roosevelt Johnson Nevaeh Paige Aariyah Quarles

Meah Terry Stanley Lewis

Terrontayia Reeves Maleque Troupe

Rose A Scott Veronica Shockley Alyviah Terry Amarrius Swanigan

Israel E Smith Anna R Berry Baylen S Booker

Talia L Mahoney Richae K Cunningham Aryah N Moore Kadyn A Davis

Aliseia J Rucker

Brianna D Gillespie Gianni Taylor Kyson D Hawkinson

Darian I Washington Ta’Veaion Washington Jaida C Henley Lelah D Lawrence Kylan A Mabins

Mahila Totten

Hillcrest High School

Parkview High School

Nicholas Buchanan

Quinton Perry

Deion Banks

Isaiah D Brown

Shaun Campbell

Crashaun K Keyes Tucker Phillips Cameron Burkett

Semaj C Dawkins

Christian

Avery D Miles

Peter Ramazani Catelyn Conover

Deckard

Mims

Davis

Trinity Haydel Kaileigh M Stewart Tamra Scantlin Angel Macharia

Delaney M Hogan Sienna Howard

J Williams Kaleb Spates Ariana Mosley Kaiden A Hunziker

Jacob Lomosi Charleigh K Wright

Terrell

David Hernadez

M Jones

Thea Marshall Jonathan Woodard Benjamin Musa

Jaequen Mason

Junesha Worthy

Ashlie Pierce

Diamond Reynolds

Omarion Armstrong Zorian Black Jerome Brown Samijia Brown Mario Burns

Jade Dodds Alysiah Dunlap Tayshaun Finley Jayden Foyewa Isaiah Giles Lindsey Freeman Tomas Hill

Jamile Johnson

Myla Chevis Jared Johnson

Nareese Day

Montae Jones Jaylen King Tamarra McDaniel Anthony Nunda Ranijah Pittman

DesMarie Smith Tyler Thompson Nevaeh Woods Devonte Trout

Evasca Schmalvogl Jenal Johnson

The History Of Juneteenth & General Orders, No 3

The

people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. – General Orders, No. 3

Juneteenth and General Orders, No. 3, read on June 19, 1865 announcing that all slaves were free, is one of Galveston’s most important historical moments. US President Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862. Issued under powers granted to the president “as a fit and necessary war measure”, the proclamation declared, “That on the 1st day of January, A.D. 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, thenceforward and forever free…” However, Lincoln’s proclamation would have little impact on Texans at that time due to the small number of Union troops available to enforce it.

Two and a half years later, in June of 1865, more than two thousand Federal soldiers of the 13th Army Corps arrived in Galveston, and with them were Major General Gordon Granger, Commanding Officer, District of Texas. Granger delivered to Galveston General Orders, No. 3. The order informed all Texans that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United

States, all slaves were free. Osterman Building - Left Foreground Osterman Building – Left Foreground, Picturesque Galveston, 1900, Galveston Historical Foundation

It was from that moment that Juneteenth would be born. Since then, the annual commemoration has grown from local roots to a national celebration featuring parades, readings, processions, and more.

In the late 1970s, the Texas Legislature declared Juneteenth a “holiday of significance […] particularly to the blacks of Texas”. Texas was the first state to establish Juneteenth as a state holiday under legislation

introduced by freshman Democratic state representative Al Edwards (Houston). The law passed through the Texas Legislature in 1979 and was officially made a state holiday on January 1, 1980. After Texas recognized the date, many states followed suit. Currently, 47 of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or ceremonial holiday, a day of observance.

In 1979, the Galveston Juneteenth Committee under the leadership of former city manager Doug Matthews and Texas Representative Al Edwards initiated an annual Juneteenth Celebration on the lawn of Ashton Villa at 2328 Broadway. The event commemorates the reading of General Orders, No. 3 through prayer, reflections, and community leadership. In 2006, the Juneteenth Committee with the City of Galveston erected a statue of the reading of the order that remains a permanent reminder to residents and visitors of the June 19, 1865 event. The City of Galveston transferred the building and grounds in November 2018 to Galveston Historical Foundation who preserved and managed the property since 1970.

Major General Gordon Granger, — Library of Congress

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Q Enoteca Wine Bar 308 E Commercial St 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM

PARKDAY REUNION WEEKEND CELEBRATION

AUGUST 2,3,4, 2024

Presented by Silver Springs Reunion Club

Location: Silver Springs Park & University Plaza Hotel

Silver Springs Reunion Souvenir Book

FINAL DUE DATE for AD - Monday, July 15th, 2024

Additional Information about local Juneteenth Events

Juneteenth Community Celebration

June 15, 2024

Springfield Expo Center

11 AM - 4 PM

• Live Entertainment

• Local Vendors

Silver Springs Park

Program & Projects Tour

June 16, 2024

Silver Springs Park

10 AM -2 PM

Enjoy a bag of popcorn while you tour.

• The Pavilion Renovation & Amphitheater Renderings

• Silver Springs Park from the Ground Up

• History Repair & Sustainability Display

• History Pop Up (Story Telling) Exhibits

• Container Gardening

• Digital Story Mapping

The sharing of stories by map location while connecting, archives properties, text, and or video clips to complete the story. (A digital projection will be on display)

Juneteenth Gospel Choir Celebration

June 16, 2024

Washington Ave Baptist Church 1722 N National Ave.

4 PM

• Spirit Filled Gospel Music

Juneteenth Freedom Fest & Music Festival

June 19, 2024

Founders Park

12 PM - 6 PM

• Free Food

• Prizes

• Live Music

Juneteenth Multicultural Freedom Park Day

June 22, 2024

Jordan Valley Park

10 AM - 9 PM

• Local Vendors

• Live Entertainment

• Music & Dance

• Food & Drink

• Water & Fun Games