Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when U.S. Army soldiers landed at Galveston to ensure Texas slaves were freed, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
President Joe Biden signed the legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021, and city and Denton County offices will be closed Monday in observance of Juneteenth Day.
There will be several events happening around Denton County to celebrate the holiday, including the annual Juneteenth Parade in Denton.
Juneteenth University, a Denton-based organization that is involved in local observances, has said that people and groups that don’t support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts should not join the Denton Juneteenth Parade.
“Given the current political environment of our state and nation, all individuals, associations, businesses, religious organizations, government agents and schools are reminded that the fundamental purpose of Juneteenth is to celebrate the advancement of human equity,” the message on Juneteenth University's website reads.
Denton Juneteenth Celebration
The celebration kicks off Friday evening with variety of artists performing onstage for Gospel Night at Fred Moore Park, 501 S. Bradshaw St. Friday's events are scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m.
Juneteenth Parade
Saturday's parade will begin at the Denton Civic Center, make its way through downtown Denton and around the Square to end at Fred Moore Park.
- 10 a.m.: Parade begins at Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St.
- 11 a.m.: First parade unit expected to reach the end of the route at Fred Moore Park.
- 11:30 a.m.: Last parade unit is expected to reach the end of the route at Fred Moore Park.
- Noon: Closing ceremony and awards will be presented at Collins Pavilion at Fred Moore Park.
The Juneteenth Celebration will continue Saturday with vendors, more live music, a film screening, children's activities and food throughout the day at Fred Moore Park until 10 p.m. Here's the full schedule:
- Annual softball tournament, with times based on the number of teams, at the softball field at Fred Moore Park.
- Noon: Kids' activities open
- 1:30 p.m.: Denton Hometown Heroes reception, honoring those who make a key difference in the community, at the American Legion Hall Senior Center, 629 Lakey St.
- 3:30 p.m.: Film screening of Juneteenth, Faith, and Freedom at the American Legion Hall Senior Center.
- 4 p.m.: DJ spin-off at Fred Moore Park.
- 5:45 to 10:30 p.m.: Local live music from Furious Band, Sweet Randi Love, JHEN, Cam 1K, Born a Star, Casanova of Blues and JWON.
Monday: Angelic Vortex’s Juneteenth Celebration
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Monday
Where: Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios, 411 E. Sycamore St.
Tickets: $10
Angelic Vortex’s second annual Juneteenth Celebration will feature art, vendors selling handmade goods and crafts — such as jewelry, clothing, stickers and more — and live music performances throughout the event. The music lineup includes Son of Bayard, Curl and Zeke Forever.
More Denton County Juneteenth celebrations:
- Lewisville Juneteenth Celebration, 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W. Church St.
- Little Elm Juneteenth Freedom Walk, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Little Elm Park, 701 W. Eldorado Parkway. Free admission; $15 for mimosa toast and shirt.
- Juneteenth Celebration at The Grandscape, Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. at 5752 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony.
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