Juneteenth Houston, formerly known as The Juneteenth Houston Citywide Committee, has announced its 160th event series of celebrations and community engagements for today.
After four years of collaboration across the city, this year’s events will honor the rich legacy of Juneteenth and engage families throughout Houston and beyond.
The festivities will kick off today from 5-9 P.M. at the Eldorado Ballroom on Elgin Street. The celebration will feature community leaders, public art displays, culinary competitions, and exciting new projects, including a Juneteenth archiving initiative, artist showcases, and cultural parades.
Eldorado Ballroom (Project Row Houses)
One of the highlights will be the Crowns of Liberation Parade, showcasing both historic and contemporary Black headwear traditions. There will also be Special Tribute Memorials honoring notable figures such as Congressman Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and community leader Tanya Debose.
FILE - From left, Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Tex., Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., and members of the Congressional Black Caucus celebrate the passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, at the Capitol in Washington, June 17, 2021. Longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday, has died Friday, July 19, 2024, after battling pancreatic cancer, according to her chief of staff. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Additionally, the Historic Black Neighborhoods Village will spotlight Houston’s rich Black heritage, highlighting communities such as Third Ward, Fourth Ward, Fifth Ward, Independence Heights, Sunnyside, Acres Homes, and South Park.
Food lovers can enjoy the Inaugural Cookout Cookoff, which will feature traditional Juneteenth red foods. Plus, the Juneteenth Archiving Project will partner with the African American Research Center to help preserve the history of Juneteenth. The Juneteenth Houston Podcast, a six-part storytelling series, will explore the history and legacy of this important celebration.
Celebrating Juneteenth Weekend at University of Houston
Confirmed guests include Controller Chris Hollins, Mike Doyle, Chair of Harris Democrats, County Attorney Christian Menefee, Judge Jason Cox of Harris County Probate Court #3, and Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Court.
As the birthplace of Juneteenth, Texas will forever hold a unique place in history, and Houston is at the forefront of this legacy. These events not only honor the spirit of freedom but also celebrate Black culture, uniting the community through storytelling, food, art, and remembrance.
Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
My name is Kendall Mayes, and I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Prairie View A&M University. Currently, I work as a content gatherer for KPRC2, where I love sharing individuals' stories.
