HOUSTON, Texas (June 16, 2022) - This year Houston First Corporation is partnering with Mayor Sylvester Turner and the City of Houston, Miller Theatre Advisory Board, KTSU 90.9 FM, and presenting sponsor, Wells Fargo to celebrate Juneteenth, Sunday, June 19, 2022 at 8 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre with a spectacular program featuring more than 250 well-known local artists. These talented performers will come together to illustrate the story of African Americans’ journey to freedom through dance, song and the spoken word.
The celebration will hold special significance because Mayor Turner will take part in a moving tribute to the late State Representative Al Edwards, “Mr. Juneteenth,” as well as thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Senator John Cornyn for their key bi-partisan roles in making Juneteenth both a state and federal holiday.
The captivating evening of performances will unfold in five memorable and educational acts with performers including: Brian Courtney Wilson, Kathy Taylor, Gene Moore, NaKitta Clegg Foxx, and V. Michael McKay. Audiences will be able to experience the free event in Miller’s covered seating area, or watch from the hillside overlooking the theater.
As the place where a significant number of formerly enslaved people in Texas settled after emancipation, Houston is naturally connected to Juneteenth. The annual celebration is recognized in many forms, including parades, family barbecues, visiting exhibits, programs and other traditions that remember the struggles and honor the achievements of African Americans.
This is the first time Houston has unified to commemorate Juneteenth, so as the lead organization promoting the city as a destination, Houston First encourages residents and visitors to participate in events celebrating freedom throughout the area.
Here are a few taking place in Houston during Juneteenth Weekend:
- Juneteenth: Journey to Freedom at Miller Outdoors Theatre – The free concert will feature brilliant performances filled with dramatic visuals, live music, narrations, and dance that tell the story of African Americans from emancipation to today. (Sunday, June 19)
- #WeAreJuneteenth - Emancipation Park’s 150th Juneteenth Celebration – In honor of the park’s 150th anniversary, this free two-day festival will feature star-studded performances by national artists, children’s activities, 40 organizations providing free resources, multiple local food and retail vendors, guided park tours and more. (Saturday and Sunday, June 18 & 19)
- Juneteenth: A Commemoration of Freedom Parade – Acres Homes’ annual parade will begin in the city’s historic neighborhood at the Acres Home Multi-Service Center and end at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church. (Saturday, June 18 at 10 a.m.)
- Buffalo National Soldiers Museum – The museum is featuring a 40-foot long, traveling, interactive exhibit that pays tribute to military women. Additionally, the museum will offer live art & tours, music, food trucks, and more. (Friday and Saturday, June 17 & 18)
- Black is Primary Juneteenth Festival – Post presents a celebration of Black Joy, Art and Entrepreneurship at an all-day, all-ages festival to honor Black heritage locally and globally through storytelling, performance, business and culture. (Saturday, June 18)
- Children’s Museum of Houston – The museum is hosting several activities that embrace the spirit of Africa, including storytime, poetry, performances and a meet and greet with Black Panther, the King of Wakanda. (Saturday, June 18 at 10 a.m.)
- African-American Library at the Gregory School – Markers, Murals & Mains--the museum will offer tours through Houston’s Third, Fourth and Fifth Ward neighborhoods showcasing the cultural assets that exist in each area. (Saturday and Monday, June 18 & 20)
Find more information on other Juneteenth events in Houston here.