The streets of Third Ward came alive today as Houstonians gathered for the 52nd Annual Juneteenth Parade, a vibrant celebration of freedom, resilience, and Black history. Despite forecasts predicting thunderstorms, the weather held up—giving organizers, participants, and community members a chance to commemorate one of the most important dates in American history.
“We were holding our breath, but the skies stayed clear just for us,” said organizers from The Sun Foundation, who have been leading the parade for nearly two decades. “This is about bridging the gap in Juneteenth history across all ages.”
A Historic Legacy
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865—the day enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas and across The Lone Star State learned they had been freed, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. and was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021.
In Houston, the parade was first launched by Reverend C. Anderson Davis in the early 1970s, shortly after he moved to the city to reorganize the local NAACP chapter.
“In my heart, I said I have got to keep it going for him—for Reverend Anderson,” said Sagrry Brown, who worked alongside Davis in the early years of the parade.
Honoring Leaders and Educating a Nation
The Sun Foundation, now the main organizer, continues to honor that legacy. Founder Dorris Ellis Robinson reminded attendees of Houston’s critical role in elevating Juneteenth from a local tradition to a nationally recognized holiday.
“Al Edwards made Juneteenth a state holiday. Later, Sheila Jackson Lee and Senator John Cornyn made it federal,” said Robinson. “Now our citizenry around the country—and even internationally—are joining in and understanding the significance of this day.”
Looking Ahead: Bridging Generations
As the parade grows each year, so does the mission to keep young people involved.
“My hope is to see more people involved—young, old, of every age—celebrating all aspects of freedom,” said Dr. Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, this year’s Grand Marshal.
Miss Juneteenth, Fayth Castro, echoed that sentiment: “We’re the new adults, and it’s going to be our world soon. We have to know how to go about it.”
Robinson added, “That’s why we have young people participating—so they know they need to do the work to keep it going for the next 50 years.”
What’s Next
Juneteenth festivities continue with a Gospel Fest at 3 p.m. on June 14th in Freedman’s Town. The celebrations will culminate on Thursday, officially recognized as Juneteenth National Independence Day.