< Previous10 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | 2024 MADISON SWAIN SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS I n June 2022, I entered the Juneteenth Scholarship Gala in Galveston. I saw this as an opportunity to earn a scholarship as I entered my senior year of high school. Although I didn’t win, it was the beginning of a zeal to learn more about my history and to serve my community. I entered the Juneteenth Scholarship Gala once again in June 2023. I was crowned Miss Juneteenth Gal- veston County Ambassador. Before settling into the new assignment, I was recruited for an even bigger platform. The first Miss Juneteenth Texas USA pag- eant was being held in Nacogdo- ches, and the winner would get to compete in the Miss Juneteenth USA pageant. Although I was excited about these merits, I was more excited about the conscious- ness I was developing about Juneteenth and wanted to share it with my family and friends. I also began developing my platform called “Pray and Move.” Serving the elderly in my community has been second nature along with my passion for dance. My platform involves promoting mobility, function and positive mental health through the art of dance. This cause is important for us to live healthy and happy lives. I was crowned the inau- gural Miss Juneteenth Texas USA in July 2023 and was off to Philadelphia in October to compete in the Miss Juneteenth USA pageant. Before leaving for Philly, the NIA Cultural Center in Galveston hosted a send-off in my honor. Family, friends and constituents of Galveston showed their love and support. I had never been to the “City A MESSAGE FROM THE QUEEN STUART VILLANUEVA/THE DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO ABOVE: Texas City’s Madison Swain is the reigning Miss Juneteenth Galveston County and Miss Juneteenth Texas. During the past year, she competed in the Miss Juneteenth Texas USA pageant, started college and participated in parades, recep- tions and speaking engagements, raising awareness about Juneteenth. BOTTOM LEFT: Three Miss Juneteenth queens pose in front of the Absolute Equality mural in downtown Galveston during a tour of the birthplace of Juneteenth. Picture, from left, are Sunshine Huggins, 2023 Miss Juneteenth USA; Madison Swain, 2023 Miss Juneteenth Texas and Miss Juneteenth USA first runner-up; and Mendy Pettigrew, 2023 Miss Juneteenth Tennessee and Miss Juneteenth USA second runner-up. BOTTOM RIGHT: U.S. Rep Randy Weber, left, talks with Madison Swain and Sam Collins III on Aug. 16 during a stop at the Juneteenth Legacy Project and NIA Cultural Center in Galveston. of Brotherly Love.” I met and bonded with queens from other states. We shared our stories and built friendships. We toured the city and experienced its rich culture and hot spots, such as the Liberty Bell and African American Museum. We even had an authentic Philly cheesesteak. I was the first runner up in the Miss Juneteenth USA pageant. I also received a second-place award for my essay and a first- place trophy for my talent. Between the Texas and USA pageants, I started my first se- mester at Blinn College and was a member of the Blinn Treasures dance team. I maintained a 4.0 GPA both semesters and made the Chancellor’s List. In April, our team traveled to Florida and won two national championship titles. One of the most rewarding parts of my journey is sharing my influence with others. I have met Texas and U.S. officials who have shown their support and acknowledgment of Juneteenth through proclamations and letters of recognition. From interviews and parades to receptions and speaking engagements, God has been faithful in expanding my in- fluence beyond my community. Last month, I welcomed Miss Juneteenth USA to Galveston for a tour of the birthplace of June- teenth. This month, I will serve as the grand marshal in the Tex- as City Juneteenth Parade. The Miss Juneteenth Texas Pageant will be hosted in my hometown of Texas City. As I prepare to crown the next Miss Juneteenth Galveston County and Miss Juneteenth Texas, I realize that my journey won’t end here. Join me in raising awareness and building a community strong in the Juneteenth legacy. Madison Swain, a Texas City native, is the reigning Miss Juneteenth Galves- ton County and Miss Juneteenth Texas. CAROL WARREN PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESYJENNIFER REYNOLDS/THE DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO AFTER WHIRLWIND YEAR, REIGNING MISS JUNETEENTH TEXAS PREPARES TO PASS TORCH2024 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 11 Experience UTMB Health’s commitment to excellence in education, research, clinical care and innovation as we honor Juneteenth. Together, we advance the legacy of freedom and health equity for all. Celebrate Juneteenth Honoring Freedom, Advancing Health12 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | 2024 “Your Community, Your Credit Union” “Your Community, Your Credit Union” 409-765-6067 www.coastalcommunityfcu.org JUNE 19, 1865 GALVESTON, TX 2024 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 13 I was the first person in my imme- diate family who was born on the island (BOI) in 1933, but the family connections to Galveston were there almost 90 years before my birth. One of my father’s ancestors arrived in the Port of Galveston on Nov. 21, 1846, on a slave ship named the Palmetto. Two teenage boys, John and Julian, were listed on the manifest of the ship in the port’s records. They were born in North Carolina and sold to people en- gaged in the slave trade. John was the grandfather of my paternal grandfather, Julian Smith, born in 1872, who was the namesake of John’s brother Julian. The ship’s manifest listed Julian as yellow age 15 and John as brown age 17. As a child, I enjoyed spending my summers in Brazoria and listening to stories told by my grandfather and other older relatives as to the hardships they had survived as well as the good times they enjoyed at various social events organized by churches and other family members. There usually was music, lots of singing and occasional dancing. There was no hard liquor at the events. My father and his relatives celebrated Juneteenth, then known as Emancipation Day. The first celebration I remember was June 19, 1938. I was 4 years old, and it was the first time I went to Bra- zoria with only my father. By that time, I was the big sister to two little brothers and my mother stayed behind to take care of them. My father did not own a car, but his friend Mr. Cunningham had a truck and filled it with watermelons to sell at the event. So, we rode to the celebration with the watermelons. It was an event that opened a whole new world for me. It was held at a location called the Campgrounds. There was a small platform for speakers and honored guests. No microphone, no cameras, just chairs and benches. Kids like me sat on the ground. The program started with a long prayer thanking God for their freedom. The two people on the platform who had been born into slavery were introduced and gave some remarks about being children when freedom came. I wanted to ask what that meant as people were responding with loud “amens” and thanking the Lord. The next part of the program was the part that for me was the most exciting. An elderly man read the Emancipation Proc- lamation with emphasis to the section that pointed out the exceptions: “only slaves in states in rebellion” and “not the four slaves states that did not join the confederacy.” The next speaker was a girl about 10 or 11 years old who gave a dramatic rendition of the entire General Order No. 3. This order, not the Emancipation Proclamation, freed the slaves in Texas. It begins: “The people are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free …” The crowd responded with loud shouting, clapping, crying and hugging each other, then burst into songs about freedom. That little girl became my first role model. I returned to Galveston ready to learn to speak like her. I was lucky enough that many adults in Gal- veston gave me the opportunity. My parents took great joy in helping me to become a speaker by buying books and taking me to various meetings where Black pride and achievement was on display. My mother’s father also worked as a longshoreman, and he bought all his grandchildren junior memberships in the NAACP. By the standards of the time, my family had a good living because long- shoremen made a decent wage. When my siblings and I went to preschool at Ms. Brown’s kindergarten, before there was anything like Head Start, I remember my mother wrapping the 50-cent weekly fee in a handkerchief and tying it to my dress on Monday morning as I left for school at age 3. I took music lessons from Ms. Wallace at 29th Street and Avenue L. Two lessons a week were $1. On Tuesdays, Mrs. Guy had Star Light Band perform at Avenue L Baptist Church and rewarded the children who came knowing a new Bible verse with candy. There was a lot to do as a Black child in Galveston. I enjoyed many of the activities at the Mary Patrick Branch of the YWCA headed by Cornelia Dansby at 28th Street and Avenue K. I was especial- ly welcomed at the colored branch of the Rosenberg Library by Ms. Lillian Davis, the librarian, who permitted me to act like I was a librarian. Ms. Davis taught me the Dewey Decimal System so I could put the books back on the shelves. I left Galveston right after high school and enrolled in Texas Southern University where I graduated in 1954 with a degree in government and history. The next year, I moved to Indianapolis, where I have lived ever since. I also received a master’s degree in social work and a law degree from Indiana University. I believe Galveston experiences prepared me for the world. My ability to speak up has served me well. I love returning to the island and seeing how much has changed and some things that have not. Most of my childhood friends have moved away or are now deceased. I am happy that the spirit of Emanci- pation or Juneteenth has now spread all over the country. We who grew up there took our sense of Black pride and accomplishments wherever we landed. Let’s all celebrate Juneteenth and keep America striving to become “A More Perfect Union!” Fay H. Smith Williams, a civic leader and attorney, lives in Indianapolis. She is a winter Texan and returns to Galveston every year. HISTORY AND LIFE LESSONS LEARNED BY A BOI FAY H. WILLIAMS FOUNDING FAMILIES: SMITH FAY H. WILLIAMS/COURTESY A copy of the ship manifest with the names of slaves, including Fay H. Smith Williams’ ancestors, who arrived in the Port of Galveston on Nov. 21, 1846. 14 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | 2024 M y great- great-great- grandfather, John Fluker Menard Thomas, was born in 1849 in Macon, Georgia. He arrived in Galveston in 1852 as the prop- erty of Rebecca Fluker Bass Menard, who had recently wed her second hus- band, Galves- ton co-found- er Michel B. Menard. They lived in the Menard House, an 1839 white Greek-Reviv- al-style home in the center of Galveston. Each year, the Thom- as family, my family, returns to the Menard House the week- end before Juneteenth for our annual Juneteenth Pilgrimage. We pay homage to John, his wife Ann, their son William Menard Thomas, and his wife Mattie Peachy Thomas. Our footsteps cover the island, looking for traces of the Thomas family in the art, sounds and architecture of Galves- ton. Because our family has been here for 172 years, we always find something. We start at the Menard House, where John may have spent much of his early life in service to the Menards. We depart down 33rd Street, walking the same path he took on Sunday mornings to Ave- nue L. Baptist Church, the oldest Black church in the state of Texas. When we arrive, I see the stained- glass window with W.M. Thomas and Family inscribed at its base. I’d seen the inscription before, and I thought it was in honor of my great-great-grandfather, William Menard Thomas, who I believed for many years was the patriarch of our THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING THOMAS DR. CANDACE THOMAS-REESE FOUNDING FAMILIES: THOMAS STUART VILLANUEVA/THE DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO Angela Williams, a member of the Thomas family, walks past stained-glass windows in Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church in Galveston on June 10, 2023. The church was a stop on a march from the 1883 Menard House to Ashton Villa that the family makes annually to observe their heritage. family. He’s one of Galveston’s first Black police officers who rose to the rank of sergeant at the turn of the century. He had 15 children with his wife, Mattie Peachy Thomas, who was well- known for fundraising and organizing social events in Galveston. She was a major fundraiser for the church after the 1900 Storm, so a stained-glass window was dedicated to W.M. Thomas and Family in her honor in the new building. At the front of the church, to the left of the piano, a black and gold placard honors my Aunt Ruth for her musician- ship from 1934 to 2005. Ruth Thomas Hall, or Ms. Hall, as she was affection- ately known, shared her musical talents with everyone in Galveston for more than five decades. Her mother, Carrie Bell Thomas, and she started the first kindergarten in Galveston Island across the street from Avenue L. Baptist Church in the 1940s. My grandmother, Ruby Lee Thomas, worked at the school and, in the 1970s, started the first head start program in Galveston. As we leave the historic church to head to Ashton Villa, I remember my grandfather, the Rev. James B. Thom- as. As we prepare to cross Broadway, I imagine him standing on the steps under the balcony on the left, where Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger is said to have deliv- ered the General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865. I imagine my grandfather’s head beaming with sweat from the 1975 June- teenth sun as he raises his loudspeaker to a volume that all of Broadway can hear. He told the Thomas family’s story of Juneteenth to all who would hear. He started with how John Menard changed his name to John Thomas to fulfill his own destiny and cleanse slavery from his legacy. And it worked. He told the story to Al Edwards, a freshman state representative from Houston, and it helped make Juneteenth a state holiday in 1979. Dr. Candace Thomas-Reese is a sixth-gener- ation Thomas and founder of the Juneteenth Pilgrimage. She serves as the executive director of Are You Ready Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. DR. CANDACE THOMAS-REESE/COURTESY PHOTOS Members of the Thomas family, from left, William Menard Thomas, one of Galveston’s first Black police officers; his wife, Mattie Peachy Thomas, who was well-known for fundraising and organizing social events in Galveston; Ruth Thomas Hall, who shared her musical talents with everyone in Galveston for more than five decades; and the Rev. James B Thomas, a civil rights leader who lobbied freshman state Rep. Al Edwards to prioritize Juneteenth in the earliest days of his tenure.2024 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 15 The Scull family’s story during Galveston’s early years begins in a nation whose culture fluidly mixed ethnic and political identities and for a time struggled with officially sanctioned slavery amid a westward expansion into an unfamiliar frontier and an unknowable future. Below is a chronological summary: FOUNDING FAMILIES: SCULL JENNIFER REYNOLDS/THE DAILY NEWS Descendants of the Scull/Fedford family, from left, Jasmine Pulliam, Mason Taylor, Florence Henderson Taylor, Dr. Gaylynn Moore (Collins), Luther “Trey” Taylor III, June Collins Pulliam, Roy Collins III, Janae Pulliam and Diane Henderson were honored May 18 during a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision at the Old Central Cultural Center in Galveston. Presented by The Future is US initiative, which promotes equality and access in Galveston’s education system, the event honored the Scull/Fedford family’s contributions as teachers and public school leaders for 140 years in the Galveston and Houston area. 1830 Horace A. Scull is born in Alabama, from a bodily union between an enslaved woman for whom no name records are ascertainable and a slaveholder whose name is ascertainable as a son of a prominent U.S. Revolutionary War veteran. Others from that slave-holding Scull family had migrated to Texas as early as the 1820s, then participating in a Freedonian Rebellion that was a precursor to the 1830s Texas independence effort. 1839 Emily Jones Brown Scull is born in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, to enslaved parents whose names are unknown, and whose respective birthplaces were Virginia/Kentucky and Mississippi. An 1850 Slave Schedule identifies one 10-year-old female – possibly including Emily Jones (Scull) – among eight females (along with 12 males) enslaved by an individual from Bossier Parish, Louisiana. 1851 Based on a later voter registration record, a then-enslaved Horace (age 21) is relocated from Alabama to Texas, apparently accompanying slave-holding members of the Alabama-based Scull family that settled in parts of Southeast Texas, including Liberty and Galveston counties. JUNE 4, 1860 Ralph Albert Scull is born in Port Bolivar, Texas, as one of five children from the union of enslaved parents Horace and Emily. Ralph and his older brother, Thomas Scull, spent their early childhood years under enslavement. 1865 Directly corresponding to Galveston’s role in asserting the end of legally enforced slavery, newly emancipated Horace (age 35) and Emily (age 26) relocate their entire family, including son Ralph (age 5), from Port Bolivar to Galveston. 1866 Daughter Clara becomes the first of three children in the Scull family to be born without the yoke of slavery. JUNE 24, 1867 A record shows that Horace (age 37 listed with “col” ethnicity) registers to vote in Galveston County, having resided in Texas for 16 years, in Galveston County for two years and in the electoral precinct for five years. FEB. 8, 1877 A Galveston News article indicates that Horace (age 47) is named a vice president of a Twelfth Ward neighborhood association of so- called “colored citizens,” described similarly in a July 17, 1877, article and in an Oct. 30, 1878, article as a local Republican organization. JUNE 20, 1885 An Evening Tribune article indicates that Ralph (age 25) reads the Emancipation Proclamation at a 20th emancipation anniversary ceremony at Galveston’s Dalian’s Garden. JUNE 20, 1888 A Galveston Daily News article indicates that Clara (age 21) reads the Emancipation Proclamation at the 23rd emancipation anniversary ceremony at Galveston’s Pleasant Hill Garden. Chronology by Roy Collins III, a third-generation BOI, the great-great-grandchild of Horace A. and Emily Scull and great-grandchild of their son, Ralph A. Scull. THE TIES THAT BIND16 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | 2024 EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION CONCERT Grammy Award-winning recording artist Fred Hammond and Galveston’s own The Stinson Five will headline the third annual Emancipation Celebration Con- cert, presented by the Nia Cultural Cen- ter. The event celebrates Black art, culture and contributions since Juneteenth. In addition to music, the event will pay trib- ute to four of Texas’ most historic Black churches, each holding the distinction of being the first in their denomination. 7 p.m. June 8; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409-765-1894 or www.thegrand.com THE PATH TO JAZZ WITH DANDY WELLINGTON Join bandleader Dandy Wellington for a discussion on slavery’s impact on spiritual music, how many of those songs found their way into the jazz canon, and the ori- gins of spiritual music in a secular setting. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 9; 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, 2202 Ave. K Galveston; www.eventbrite.com or www.galvestonhistory.org ‘PURLIE VICTORIOUS’ Written by the acclaimed playwright Ossie Davis, “Purlie Victorious: : A Non-Confederate Romp through the Cotton Patch” follows the journey of Purlie Victorious Judson, a Black self-made traveling preacher, as he returns to his segregated Georgia hometown with a bold mission: to buy and rehabilitate its derelict church, Big Bethel. However, Purlie’s mission is met with resistance from the town’s racist tyrant, Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee, setting the stage for a hilarious and thought-provoking exploration of race, discrimination and resilience. 8 p.m. June 13-15 and 2:30 p.m. June 15-15; Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Ave. M, Galveston; galvestonlighthouseproductions.org JUNETEENTH GALA The 10th annual Juneteenth Gala will be held at Ashton Villa featur- ing keynote speaker state Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 13; 2328 Broadway, Galveston; 409-392-0317 MINORITY BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT Success In Business will present the third annual Minority Business Empowerment Summit & Government Procurement Forum, which provides an opportunity for minority business own- ers to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and take their businesses to the next level. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14; Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Ave. M, Galveston; www.eventbrite. com or www.visitgalveston.com JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIP GALA This event promises to be a memorable evening filled with live music, food and inspiring speeches. Dress to impress and dance the night away while making a dif- ference in the lives of deserving students. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 14; The Victorian Inn, 6300 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; www.eventbrite.com or www.visitgalveston.com JUNETEENTH COMEDY FEST This event will be filled with laughs and entertainment celebrating Juneteenth. 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. June 14; Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd., Galveston; 832-594-5787 or www.visitgalveston.com JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL & CELEBRATION This family-friendly event will feature food, vendors, music and crowning ceremony for 2024 Galveston County Lil Mr. Juneteenth Prince and Lil Ms. Juneteenth Princess and Father of the Year Award. Noon to 8 p.m. June 15; McGuire Dent Recreation Center at Menard Park, 2222 28th St., Galveston; 409-457-3570 or www.visitgalveston.com JUNETEENTH PARADE AND PICNIC This annual parade celebrating the legacy of Juneteenth will start at 26th Street and Avenue H and end at 41st Street and Avenue H. A picnic will fol- low at Wright Cuney Park, 718 41st St. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 15; 26th Street and Avenue H, Galveston; 409-996-5436 or www.visitgalveston.com JUNETEENTH SNEAKER BALL The Galveston Council of Greeks will host a formal gala featuring an evening of food, music, dancing, showing off the best “kicks” and celebrating freedom. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships and community outreach programs. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. June 15; Moody Gardens Hotel, 7 Hope Blvd. Galveston; 713-302-3107 or www.visitgalveston.com JUNETEENTH SIDEWALK POETRY SHOW This event will introduce audience members to a variety of artists who tell their stories and educate others through performance poetry. 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 15; The Proletariat Gallery & Public House, 2221 Market St., Galveston; www. eventbrite.com or www.visitgalveston.com ‘JUNETEENTH: THE GALVESTON STORY’ This documentary film features stories about Juneteenth as told by prominent Galveston County community mem- bers and family members of the people who were there in 1865. 12:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. June 16; MG 3D Theater at Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., www.moody gardens.com AVENUE L BAPTIST CHURCH JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION The historic Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church will host a Juneteenth celebration program with speakers, choirs and more to help celebrate a rich heritage. 11 a.m. June 16; Avenue L Baptist Church, 2612 Ave. L, Galveston; 832-678-3117 or www.visitgalveston.com GALVESTON JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS STUART VILLANUEVA/THE DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS LEFT: A Juneteenth flag hangs under a tent as visitors walk among vendors booths at the Juneteenth Festival on June 17, 2023, at Menard Park in Galveston. ABOVE: Chrisyah Riddeaux, center, marches along with her fellow cheerleaders in the annu- al Juneteenth Parade on June 17, 2023, in Galveston.2024 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 17 Galveston • Pearland • League City • Friendswood • Alvin • www.HomeTown.Bank Juneteenth has special meaning to us locally here in Galveston. It was here on the Island that Major General Gordon Granger read the proclamation announcing freedom for slaves on June 19, 1865. Many local citizens worked together to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Celebrate American freedom for all with us and thank those whose work succeeded in making the day a national event. OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded March, 2024 OOOOO building a stronger community together Proudly protecting our community for over 56 years. © 2023 Allstate Insurance Co. GM20113-1 THE O'DONOHOE AGENCY 5928 STEWART RD allstate.com/seanodonohoe seanodonohoe@allstate.com 409-356-0065 (409) 762-HELP www.UWGalv.org Being Ready for Kindergarten Please take 1 minute TODAY to take the “Are You Baby Smart?” Quiz using the QR Code below. The Water Cries represents an ambitious search for the location of the slave auction houses in one of America’s most storied cities. The author plumbs historical documentation, sifting historical advertisements and archiving familial connections. The book is a history told by grandmothers and grandfathers. It addresses a history previously told under a different light or never told at all. These are the tales of an heir of the previously enslaved, tales of images seen and unseen, the voices of the mystical. The Water Cries represents a contribution to the telling of the long-ignored truths of Galveston’s central role in the untenable trade of human souls, slavery. Available on Amazon New from $27.95 The Water Cries: Uncovering the Slave Auction Houses of Galveston, Texas18 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | 2024 JUNETEENTH CONCERT An encore to its 45th season, the Galveston Symphony Orchestra with the Galveston Heritage Chorale will explore the rich history and impor- tance of song in African American culture, from traditional spirituals through jazz. 4 p.m. June 16; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409-765-1894 or www.thegrand.com or galvestonsymphony.org JUNETEENTH LECTURE SERIES Nia Cultural Center will present a lecture series featuring Anthony Brogdon (June 17) and Dr. Araminta Sorrell (June 22). Brogdon will present “Good Black History: Black Business Owners of the 1800s,” and Sorrell will present “The Great Storm of 1900 and Its Impact on Black Galvestonians.” Noon to 1 p.m. June 17 and 20; Juneteenth Legacy Headquarters, 2217 Strand, Galveston; niacultural.org JUNETEENTH PROCLAMATION READING Local elected officials and family members will pay homage to Al Edwards, the former Texas state representative who drafted the legis- lation that established Juneteenth as a state holiday. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 19; Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway, Galveston; 409-392-0317 or www.visitgalveston.com JUNETEENTH FAMILY FUN DAY AND EMANCIPATION MARCH Presented by the historic Reedy Chap- el AME Church, this family event will feature food, games, activities, prizes, live entertainment, tours of the church and end with an emancipation march reenactment and service. June 19, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. fun day and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. march and service; Reedy Chapel AME Church, 2015 Broadway, Galveston; 281-382- 9617 or www.visitgalveston.com JUNETEENTH WITH DOMINIQUE HAMMONS Enjoy an evening of strings and laughter featuring violinist Dominique Hammons, comedian Liz Faublas- Wallace and poet Angela Hill. 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. June 19; Central Cultural Center, 2627 Ave. M, Galveston; 409-739-5976, www.eventbrite.com or www.visitgalveston.com JUNETEENTH LECTURE BY JOY SEWING Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Joy Sewing will share her career journey, including being named the Houston Chronicle’s first Black news columnist and her family legacy. Her great-uncle H.W. Sewing, a native Texan, was the founder of the first Black bank in the Midwest. With the rapid changes in the landscape of journalism, Sewing will leave the au- dience with her observations about the importance of news reporting and storytelling in our lives. 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 20; The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St., Galveston; thebryan museum.org/lectures-at-the-bryan AN EVENING WITH BERNARD AND SHIRLEY KINSEY Meet the couple behind the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, featured on CBS Saturday Morning and Good Morning America. The Galveston and Texas History Cen- ter will display items relating to African American history in Galveston. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 21; Rosenberg Library Trust- ees Hall, fourth floor, 2310 Sealy St., Galveston; 409.763.8854 or https://rosenberg lib.librarycalendar.com/event/evening-bernard- and-shirley-kinsey-2172 GALVESTON JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS THE NEWS YOU WANT DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX GALVNEWS.COM/NEWSLETTERS JENNIFER REYNOLDS/THE DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO Jackie Quinn, left, with the Buffalo Soldiers 9th & 10th Horse Calvary Association’s Greater Houston Chapter, carries a copy of General Order No. 3 during the Reedy Chapel AME Church’s annual Emancipation March from the Galveston County Courthouse to the church at 2015 Broadway in Galveston on June 19, 2023. Serving All Of Galveston County Full Service Funeral Cremation Personalized Service 602 32nd Street, Galveston, Texas 77550 409.621.16772024 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 19 E. R. Johnson Family Mortuary has been serving Galveston County and surrounding areas with empathy and reverence for several decades. Our roots are deeply ingrained in the community by standing side by side with families as they take their first steps towards healing. During this time, you will seek guidance from someone who understands the needs of families in celebrating the life of their loved one with dignity. Making sure that we take all precautions in maintaining a safe environment to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of everyone. E. R. Johnson Family Mortuary has always been at the forefront of making sure the families we serve receive our utmost attention and care. We look forward to being your source for compassionate care and exemplary service. We stand ready to help you honor your loved one by keeping the tradition of offering “Quality, Distinctive and Professional Service”. E. R. Johnson Family Mortuary 3828 Ave O | Galveston, TX 77550 409.762.8470 The Late Rev. 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