Celebrate Juneteenth
Commemorating Juneteenth in Port Arthur
Port Arthur has a rich history of celebrating Juneteenth. Families gather to remember history and celebrate progress and the future. Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, and it’s celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
Celebrate in 2025
Join in a the Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse 525 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur, food vendors will offer lunch in the park opportunities.
Begin Juneteenth with a sunrise ceremony on Thursday, June 19. A Grand Rising silent tribute will be on the boardwalk at 500 Lakeshore Drive.
Bring the family for fun in Barbara Jacket Park, 100 Gilham Circle for activities beginning at 3 p.m.
The community will join in the Marcus Garvey Parade at 6 p.m. Lineup will begin at 5 p.m. at Procter Street and Stilwell Boulevard.
For more information on the above events, contact Gail Pellum of the African American Cultural Society at (409) 332-1709.
Learn the Whole History
Maybe you’ve heard of Juneteenth, but do you know the story behind the day? This historical event dates back to June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned that they were free. The Emancipation Proclamation declared that as of Jan. 1, 1863, all enslaved people Southern states were free. Yet it took two years for news to spread to Texas and for officials there to announce slavery abolished. Juneteenth is known as Freedom Day and/or Emancipation Day. Six months later, the 15th Amendment outlawed slavery.
Slavery was outlawed nationwide with the ratification of the 15th Amendment six months later. Although June 19, 1865 marks the end of slavery, the ending is not so cut and dry. It’s important to learn more about Juneteenth and all of the events leading up to it. Take a video tour from the National Museum of African American History & Culture or check out this list of notable list of children’s books to read together with the kids.
Attend a Juneteenth Celebration in Port Arthur
As we’ve noted, this season deserves observation. Port Arthur has a long history of commemorating Juneteenth. At 10:30 a.m. on June 12, join in a flag raising. Enjoy visiting in the park after that. Grab a bite from food vendors. All this will be at the Jefferson County Subcourthouse Park, 525 Lakeshore Drive. Precinct 3 Commissioner Michael Shane Sinegal will host activities. Want to know more? Call (409) 983-8300.
Juneteenth Celebration in More Detail
Support Black Owned Businesses
This is a season to appreciate and support black-owned businesses in your community. Know a friend who owns a bakery, a clothing store or tire shop? Here’s a chance to invest in their business and the future of our community by showing support and shopping local.
Take the “Soul of Port Arthur” Tour
Port Arthur residents represent many cultures, and there are many African-American sites and stories. Wrap up or kick off your Juneteenth Celebration by browsing and visiting a few historical sites and notable attractions in Port Arthur on our Soul of Port Arthur: African American Tour below:
