Two rising stars from Louisiana will headline Houston’s Juneteenth Celebration at Miller Outdoor Theatre tonight, including Glen David Andrews Band and Corey Ledet and his Zydeco Band. The free event begins at 7 p.m.
Glen David Andrews will bring his lively New Orleans jazz and brass band sound to Miller, as Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band will present the rural Creole zydecomusic that is always a hit with Houston audiences. Also performing will be Houston legend Texas Johnny Brown.
Discover the Rich History of Juneteenth Below!
The History of Juneteenth
Today marks the 150th anniversary of the announcement of the declaration of freedom for slaves in Texas. While Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, effective January 1, 1863, enslaved African-Americans were not made aware of their freedom a whole two years later.
Union General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, TX on June 18, 1865, with 2,000 federal troops. The next day, he announced the abolition of slavery and was there to enforce the rule in the state. These two days marked the beginning of what would become Juneteenth. Many traditions exist from Juneteenth celebrations such as cookouts, family reunions, parades and more.
In 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday for Texas and has also spread to states outside of Texas, including Oklahoma and Louisiana. As of 2012, 42 states have officially recognized Juneteenth as a special day of observance.
