Houston – This Juneteenth, the Houston Life team took a closer look at the city’s role in the 160th anniversary of freedom arriving in Texas. From historic neighborhoods to performances, watch the full celebration in the video player above or continue reading to explore each powerful story that is a vital part of Texas history.
Revisit the past in Fourth Ward’s Freedmen’s Town
Houston Life co-host Derrick Shore sat down with Sharon Fletcher, executive director of Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy. The historic neighborhood reflects its past, present, and future, and invited the community to their Juneteenth 160 Fest.
Become sewn into a piece of history for the Black Neighborhood Quilt Project
Continuing on historic neighborhoods, Houston Life co-host Tessa Barrera spoke to Tarsha Gary, a Juneteenth Houston Committee Member, about the Black Neighborhood Quilt Project by Juneteenth Houston Freedom Festival. Communities are invited to design a fabric panel that represents memories, history, and helps build a better future. Once you have created your piece, drop off the panel at the Community Artists Collective with your name, the neighborhood you’re honoring, and a short story or memory.
Discover how Lucille’s 1913 is helping a small town with a sustainable garden
Houston Life producer Sabiha Mahmood visited Bates Allen Park in Kendleton, TX, about 40 miles outside of Houston. She met with Chef Chris Williams, founder and executive director of the non-profit Lucille’s 1913, as he showed her how the organization is transforming a garden into a community hub for fresh food while honoring Kendleton’s deep African American history.
Experience a farm-to-table experience with the crops from Kendleton as the star ingredients
While Lucille’s 1913 sustainable garden supports the population of Kendleton, Houstonians can taste the fresh produce in Late August. It is the only restaurant that purchases from the garden, all to support the non-profit’s initiatives while highlighting a culinary heritage reflected in its unforgettable dining experience.
Sway to the rhythm with Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective honoring freedom
Is Juneteenth complete without music and dance? Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective performed a moving tribute to freedom and ancestry with “Wrapped Tight" by Sha Davis. See how The Nia Cultural Center in Galveston (The Headquarters of Juneteenth) honored liberation, legacy, and black excellence.
Watch Wrapped Tight, written and sung by Sha Davis, choreographed by Stacey Allen, and performed by Tobaric Atkins Montana, and Laila Glover
For more Houston Juneteenth events
- Visit Juneteenth Houston for city-wide destinations
- Check out Visit Houston and Visit Galveston for year-round experiences and stories in Galveston