< Previous30 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | February 2015 WHAT JuneTeenTH meAns To me DeDrick Johnson J uneteenth is a very special and important holiday to me. With- out it, I’m unable to celebrate any other holiday in the fashion that I choose. As a child in the Los Angeles area, I was unaware of Juneteenth until I moved to Texas at the age of 6. But shortly thereaf- ter, I was involved in activities led by community workers such as Ida Pete, JoAnn Turner, Warren B. Jones, Myrtle Rice and several others. My grandfather, Wallace Henry, was ac- tive in the Community Development Council along with Calvin Vincent. The CDC’s annual Juneteenth cel- ebration was highly anticipated. I re- member parades full of trucks, floats, football teams, churches, youth orga- nizations, DJ’s, trailriders and more. As a kid, my friends and I from the neighborhood would decorate our bikes and ride in the parade. It would end at the Sanders Cen- ter, which was the hub of all activi- ties African American “back in the day.” There were plenty of outdoor games and activities for the kids. Gospel groups like the Voices of the Mainland would perform. The Sand- ers pool would have the much an- ticipated “Ms. Juneteenth” pageant. Here, young women would display their intellect and talents, serve as role models, and give young African American girls hope. The Juneteenth talent shows would highlight each year’s lineup of activities. I once performed an anti-drug rap once called “Say Nope to Dope!” Mike Mason and Richard “Bubba Black” Shaw shared the stage with me. Texas City’s Lewis and Johnson twins would highlight the events with their pop-lockin’ break dancing moves. There were times when we did skits, plays, and learned poetry from Langston Hughes or Maya Angelou. “Ms. Ida” (Pete) as we called her, made sure we all learned something during these celebrations. There was always plenty of food for everyone. I never knew where it all came from, I just remember eating all day and there being an unlimited supply of sodas! Now I find myself on the “other side of grown” — planning the events that I enjoyed so much as a child. Unfortunately today, I must conclude that the celebrations seem to have lost its popularity. Or per- haps I’m just looking through the eyes of an adult. For there are obvi- ously still a plethora of activities to enjoy for all ages, and people across the county. Having learned so much more about the holiday, its signifi- cance is just as important today as it was in the 80s … or even in 1865. So I implore us all to never for- get the reason behind this holiday celebration. Moreover, I want us all to remember that Juneteenth, which celebrates the ending of slavery in America, is not just a black people’s holiday; it’s an American holiday. It’s an opportunity not only for my people to be free and proud, but for the rest of America to stand tall and say we courageously righted an his- torical wrong. And until we embrace that concept we will continue to jog in place in this race against racism. Dedrick Johnson is a Texas City Commis- sioner for District No. 3. 26February 2015 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 31 2The 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth (Emancipation Day) Galveston, Texas “The Birthplace of Juneteenth” On June 18, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger and 2000 federal troops arrived on the Island of Galveston, Texas to enforce the emancipation of slaves which had been in effect since January 1, 1863. General Granger read the contents of “General Order No. 3” informing all black slaves they were free, from several locations throughout Galveston. On June 13, 1979 Texas Governor William Clements signed into law House Bill 1016 making June 19th a Texas State Holiday. On June 19, 2006, The Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission dedicated a $100,000 Texas Junteenth Lawmaker Statue on the historic grounds of Ashton Villa in honor of State Representative Al Edwards of Houston, Texas for sponsoring the legislation making Juneteenth a State Holiday in Texas in June 1979. The Ashton Villa Mansion where General Gordon Granger resided while in Galveston on June 19, 1865 (2300 Broadway, Galveston, Texas) Al Edwards’ Juneteenth Statue 2015 Al Edwards’ Galveston Juneteenth Committee Honorable Al Edwards, Texas Juneteenth Lawmaker & Former State Representative; Honorable Sylvester Turner, Chairman Texas Legislative Black Caucus; Honorable Douglas McLeod, Former Galveston State Representative; Honorable Stephen Holmes, Galveston County Commissioner; Honorable Sheila Jackson-Lee, U.S. House of Representative; Honorable Randy Weber, U.S. House of Representative; Honorable Wayne Faircloth, Texas State Representative; Honorable Larry Taylor, Texas State Senator; Pete Henley, Old Central Cultural Center President; Dr. Ben Raimer, UTMB Senior Vice President; Douglas Matthews, UTMB Assistant Vice President; Steve Mataro, DSW Homes Partner; Billy Sullivan, SLS Homes Galveston Branch 69th Street Branch 2421 69th Street Galveston, TX 77551 Main Offi ces 2302 Church Street Galveston, TX 77550 409-765-6067 La Marque Branch 2600 F.M. 1764 La Marque, TX 77568 BRANCH OFFICES Coastal Community Federal Credit Union is proud to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth32 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | February 2015 WHAT juneTeenTH meAns To me EugEnE lEwis I never learned or read anything about Juneteenth in school. I was 23 years of age in 1979 when the Rev. James Thomas, president of the Galveston NAACP asked if I would work with him to revitalize the celebration of June- teenth on Galveston Island. My first question, what is June- teenth? While the emancipation of slaves by President Abraham Lincoln was the widely known story; I had never heard the story of Juneteenth. The once very popular celebration among rural blacks had lost its importance as black society placed distance between themselves and the horrors of slavery. What I learned about Juneteenth fascinated me to learn more about the military general order that ultimately en- forced the executive order of the President to free the slaves. Texas, while defeated with the rest of the Confederate states, had continued to deny slaves held in bondage their free- dom. The role of Galveston was significant and it was from Galveston that a Union general ordered the enforcement of President Lincoln’s executive order freeing the slaves. I started out simply as a committee member and ended up serving as the coordinator of what became a multi-day, multi-event celebration of freedom. I wrote the story of Juneteenth and that information was published and circulated around the state and eventually around the country as others became interested in the cel- ebration and the story of Juneteenth. At a time when it really wasn’t popular to celebrate Juneteenth, or what blacks suffered through during slavery and after slavery, the story of June- teenth had been lost. I traveled with Thomas and worked with former State Rep. Al Edwards to bring life back to the celebra- tion of Juneteenth. Edwards introduced legislation to make Juneteenth a state holiday. Texas became the first state in the Union to have an emancipation holiday. In planning for our first Juneteenth banquet in 1981, I wanted it to be a big event. I invited newly elected Vice President George H.W. Bush to be our keynote speaker. Knowing that would be a long shot, I also invited two other prominent and nationally known figures as my Plan B. Vice President Bush sent me a kind letter declining the invitation and NAACP Executive Director, Dr. Benjamin Hooks, ac- cepted the invitation, thus putting the Galveston Juneteenth event on the map as an important celebration. By 1981, the celebration had grown from a backyard outing to a citywide celebration including a banquet, beauty pag- eant, parade, musical, baseball tournament, swimsuit contest, and barbecue cook-offs. But Ashton Villa became central to the celebration of Juneteenth, it was the place identified in my article as the place where the news of Juneteenth might have spread from. It was the location where we would an- nually gather to kick off our Juneteenth day each June 19th. Edwards would start the day telling what it meant. We added a re-enactment of the reading of the general order at Ashton Villa. Civil war re-enactors in union uniforms would emerge onto the balcony of Ashton Villa and read the historic general order which enforced the freedom of slaves held in Texas. Eugene Lewis lives in Texas City. The crowd gathers for photos of the Juneteenth historical marker Saturday after it was unveiled near the corner of 22nd Street and Strand in Galveston. It was placed at the site of where the Osterman Building, the Union Army headquarters, once stood. JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News 28February 2015 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 33 2 Celebrating the 150 th Anniversary of Juneteenth Central High was the rst black high school in the State of Texas. It was originally operated in rented quarters at the corner of 16th Street and Avenue L, beginning in 1885. The above building was the fourth school building location built in 1927. THE OLD CENTRAL BOARD IS PROUDLY SPONSORING FIVE 2015 JUNETEENTH EVENTS WITH HONORABLE AL EDWARDS: Old Central Board of Directors: George “Pete” Henley - President, Douglas Matthews - Vice President, David O’Neal - Treasurer, Lillie Little - Secretary, Ella Lewis - Corresponding Secretary, Margaret Bell, Tommie Boudreaux, Clarence Caroline, Mary Crayton, Gloria Ellisor, Alice Gaston, Dwayne Jones, Mozellar Petteway and Roland Thomas June 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Old Central - The Al Edwards 19th Annual Juneteenth Banquet June 13, 2015 at 12 noon at Old Central/Jack Johnson Park – “The Heart of a Champion” with Bob Spagnola, a 35 year veteran boxing manager & historian June 18, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Ashton Villa Ballroom – Texas Juneteenth Gala celebrating the Texas State Holiday and Juneteenth Statue June 19, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. at Ashton Villa - 36th Annual Al Edwards’ Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast June 19, 2015 at 12 noon at Jack Johnson Park – “Celebrating our Freedom” Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church Salutes 150 Years of Juneteenth 1840 - 2015 175 Years of Serving God’s People Rev. Eddie R. Johnson, Pastor34 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | February 2015 2015 juneteenth events » » For»a»complete»description»of»all»of»the» Galveston»Juneteenth»events,»visit»www. JuneteenthGalveston.com. » » Galveston»Reads»and»Rosenberg» Library»will»present»a»documentary» screening»of»“Slavery»by»another»name” » at»7»p.m.»May»14»in»the»Sieber»Center»on» the»campus»of»Galveston»College,»4015» Ave.»Q,»in»Galveston. » » The»23rd»annual»Juneteenth»Develop- ment»Corp.»Scholarship»Gala»will»be»at» 7»p.m.»June»7»at»the»Old»Central»Cultural» Center,»2627»Ave.»M,»in»Galveston. Tickets»are»$15»for»adults»and»$7.50»for» children»at»the»door. Call»Dorothy»Brown,»409-762-0063,»or» Archie»Ruth»DeClout,»409-765-6120. » » The»19th»annual»Al»Edwards’»June- teenth»Banquet»will»be»at»7»p.m.»June»9»at» the»Old»Central»Cultural»Center,»2627»Ave.» M,»in»Galveston. Tickets»are»$35»per»person. For»tickets,»call»Pete»Henley,»409-392- 0317,»or»Doug»Matthews,»409-747-2791. » » The»city»of»Texas»City»will»have»its» annual»Juneteenth»Gospel»Fest»at»7»p.m.» June»12»at»Greater»Bell»Zion»Baptist»Church,» 5917»Carver»St.,»in»Texas»City.»Admission»is» free.»Call»409-949-3002. » » The»Galveston»Historical»Foundation» will»present»a»discussion»on»African» American»History:»Importance»and» Reflection»with»Deborah»Mack,»Na- tional»Museum»of»African»American» History,»and»Caleb»Daniels,»of»the»Rice» University»Dept.»of»History »at»10»a.m.» June»13»at»the»Custom»House,»502»20th»St.,» in»Galveston. Admission»is»free. Call»409-765-3410. » » The»10th»annual»Juneteenth»Family» Day»at»Strigfellow»Orchards »will»be»from» 11»a.m.»to»5»p.m.»June»13»at»7902»state» Highway»6»in»Hitchcock. Admission»is»free»and»open»to»the»public. Call»Sam»Collins»III,»409-256-3822. » » The» African»American»Museum» Juneteenth»Family»and»Friends»Festival» will»be»from»noon»to»8»p.m.»June»13»in»the» parking»lot»of»the»Galveston»Independent» School»District’s»football»stadium»on»27th» Street»and»Avenue»L»in»Galveston. Rental»space»for»vendors»is»available. Call»James»Josey,»409-497-6963. » » Bob»Spagnola,»a»veteran»boxing»man- ager»and»historian,»will»conduct»a»meet» and»greet»along»with»several»of»his»former» and»current»clients»to»discuss»the»“sweet» science”»and»view»videos»of»several»world» champions»he»has»been»in»association»with» over»the»past»35»years»from»noon»to»5»p.m.» June»13»at»Old»Central»Cultural»Center,»2627» Ave.»M,»in»Galveston. The»event»titled,»Juneteenth»at»Jack» Johnson»Park»at»Old»Central,»is»free»and» open»to»the»public. Call»Doug»Matthews,»409-747-2791. » » The» city»of»Texas»City»will»have»its» annual»Juneteenth»Parade»and»Charles» Brown»Juneteenth»Celebration »at»3»p.m.» June»13»in»Texas»City. All»groups,»teams,»churches,»or»busi- nesses»are»encouraged»to»be»in»the»parade.» Immediately»following»the»parade,»the» Charles»Brown»Celebration»that»features» live»music,»a»barbecue»cook-off,»and»fun» and»games»for»the»entire»family»to»enjoy» will»take»place.»The»2015»Sesquicentennial» Juneteenth»Celebration»will»be»at»Rainbow» Park. For»information,»registration,»and»the» route,»call»409-949-3002. » » The»Nia»Cultural»Center»will»present»a» free»screening»of»the»documentary»“Cel- ebrating»Freedom»Then»and»Now”»from» 6»p.m.»to»8»p.m.»June»13»at»the»Old»Central» Cultural»Center,»2627»Ave.»M,»in»Galveston. Contact»Sue»Johnson,»suejohnson54@ hotmail.com»or»409-765-7086. » » St.»Vincent’s»House»will»have»its»14th» annual»Gospel»by»the»Sea»Benefit» Concert»at»6»p.m.»June»14»at»the»Grand» 1894»Opera»House,»2020»Postoffice»St.,»in» Galveston. Admission»is»free,»but»attendees»must» get»a»ticket»from»the»local»nonprofit.»Dona- tions»will»be»accepted. To»get»a»free»ticket,»call»the»Rev.»Freda» Brown»or»Linda»Cole,»409-763-8521. » » The»city»of»Texas»City»will»have»its»an- nual»Juneteenth»Golf»Tournament»at»1» p.m.»June»17»at»the»Texas»City»Bayou»Golf» Course,»2800»Ted»Dudley»Drive,»in»Texas» City.»»Registration»fees»are»$75»per»person.» To»sign»up,»call»409-949-3002.» Juanita Randolph, left, and Jackie Bonner, both with the Jones Memorial Area Seniors, listen to the Emancipation Proclamation being read during the 34th annual Al Edwards Emancipation Procla- mation Reading and Prayer Breakfast at Ashton Villa in Galveston. JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News See»Events»|»36 30February 2015 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 35 1 2015 Galveston Reads Selec on Freeman by Leonard Pis Pulitzer-prize winning author Leonard Pi s transports readers back to the chaoc weeks aer the Civil War, a me when slaves were freed but unable to find the families from which they had been separated. Freeman is a meless story of human tragedy and triumph. Voices from the Past AN EXHIBIT CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY IN GALVESTON an unforgettable multimedia experience OPENING May 30, 2015 AT ROSENBERG LIBRARY (During Art Walk) rosenberg library 2310 sealy avenue galveston, texas 77550 www.rosenberg-library.org ROSENBERG LIBRARY presents COMING May 2015 For more information and a full calendar of events, visit www.galvestonreads.org Inspire Inform Engage Educate “When the Galveston Arts Center asked Galveston artists to create paintings based on “What Galveston Means to Me”, I shifted away from my typical fi gurative works and focused instead on the numbers 06 19 65 representing June 19th 1865, known as Juneteenth. As a kid growing up in Dallas in the civil rights era of desegregation, I had never heard of Juneteenth until my high school friends told me about its origins in Galveston, and its signifi cance among their families in communities all over Texas. For many, Juneteenth is a fi tting second independence day for all Americans.” Mark Greenwalt At the invitation of the Galveston Arts Center, a group of professional artists created individual murals depicting the theme “What Galveston Means to Me . . . . an artist’s perspective. The murals were mounted on the exterior of the Historic 1878 First National Bank Building, 2127 Strand. The one time only exhibit was the largest outdoor art exhibit of individual artists in Galveston history. Mark Greenwalt is one of the artists that participated. A non profi t educational organization, the Galveston Arts Center is supported by grants, membership, and contributions. www.galvestonartscenter.org 2401 Market St. (409) 763-240336 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | February 2015 2015 juneteenth events » » Galveston»Reads»and»Rosenberg» Library»will»present»a»discussion»with» Leonard»Pitts,»author»of»“Freeman,” at 7 p.m. June 17 in the Sieber Center on the campus of Galveston College, 4015 Ave. Q, in Galveston. “Freeman” is the 2015 book selection for Galveston Reads in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth. Admission is free and open the public. » » Central»High»School,»which»was»the» first»black»high»school»in»Texas,»will»have» its»annual»gathering»festivities June 17- 21 at the Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Ave. M, in Galveston. The memorial service will be at 7 p.m. June 17; old fashion fish fry will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 19 (food will be served to 9 p.m., BYOB); the group will take a tour of Central Middle School (3014 Sealy Ave.) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 20; “An Evening in White” Dance will begin at 9 p.m. June 20 (attendees are encouraged to wear all white, BYOB); and the Father’s Day barbecue picnic will be from noon to 6 p.m. June 21 at Jack Johnson Park, which is adjacent to the center. The price for all the events combined is $45 per person. Call Odessa Holmes, 409-933-0515, or visit www.galvestonoldcentral.com. » The Galveston»Historical»Foundation» will»present»its»annual»Underground» Railroad»program from 8:30 a.m. to noon June 18 at Menard House and Menard Hall, 1605 33rd St., in Galveston. The event consists of a day of re-enactments by local volunteers of the lives of people who trav- eled the famous Underground Railroad. The program is designed to show children ages 8-11 the challenges slaves faced in escaping freedom. To register, call 409-765-3468. » The Texas»Juneteenth»Gala will be at 7 p.m. June 18 at Ashton Villa, 2300 Broad- way, in Galveston. Tickets are $25 per per- son. Call Doug Matthews, 409-747-2791. » The 36th»annual»Al»Edwards’»June- teenth»State»Holiday,»Emancipation» Proclamation»Reading»and»Prayer» Breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m. June 19 at Ashton Villa, 2300 Broadway, in Galveston. Admission is free. Call Doug Matthews, 409-747-2791. » The 37th»annual»Annie»Mae»Charles» Juneteenth»Picnic will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 19 at Wright Cuney Park, 41st Street and Avenue H, in Galveston. Call Anna Fields, 409-539-5221, or Barbara Gordon, 409-599-8050. » The third»annual»Juneteenth»at»Jack» Johnson»Park»event will be from noon to 5 p.m. June 19 at the park at Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Ave. M, in Galveston. Call Doug Matthews, 409-747-2791. » » Reedy»Chapel»A.M.E.»Church»will»have» its»Juneteenth»Homecoming»for»the» 150th»Emancipation»March from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 19. Marchers should meet at 6 p.m. on the steps of the old Galveston County Courthouse, 722 Moody Ave., and then they’ll march to the church at 2015 Broadway. Afterward, there will be a pro- gram at the church. Email Sharon Gillins, sbgillins@gmail.com. » The city»of»Texas»City»will»have»its»an- nual»Juneteenth»Poetry»Slam at 7 p.m. June 19 at the Charles T. Doyle Convention Center, 2010 Fifth Ave. N., in Texas City. Tickets are $10 per person in advance or $15 per person at the door. Reserved tables will be available for $150. For tickets, call 409-949-3002. » The Galveston»Juneteenth»Parade will start at 7:30 p.m. June 19. The parade will begin on 20th and Strand streets and travel to 25th Street. The procession will then make a left on 25th Street and travel to Seawall Boulevard, turn right on 28th Street, and will end on Avenue Q. If you would like to participate, call Jamal Shabazz, 409-599-0155, Anna Fields, 409-539-5221, or Sandra Tousant, 832-452-2956. » » Shiloh»A.M.E.»Church»will»have»its»an- nual»“Take»it»to»the»Wood”»Juneteenth» celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20 at 1310 29th St. in Galveston. Call the Rev. Kevin Hodge Sr., 409-762-3646. » The Galveston»Historical»Foundation» will»have»its»Juneteenth»Community» Concert from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 20 at Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand streets, in Galveston. The concert will feature live music. Call 409-765-7834. WhAt juneteenth meAns to me Tamala Gary-robinson I’ll never forget the legacy and memories of Juneteenth J uneteenth for me is remembering history and the struggle of our ancestors for freedom and justice. I remember my late father, Alfred “Fats” Gary, along with the Revs. Connie Jackson and D.N. Benford Sr., and so many more, who once brought the young and old of Galves- ton County together at Carver Park. The morning started off with a grand parade and my broth- ers and I would ride with my father throwing candy from the back of a truck. After the parade there was a carnival for all and gospel choirs singing old spiritual hymns and songs. My father would always have a young man to recite the infamous “I Have a Dream Speech,” by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There was togetherness and everyone was happy and participated. Carver Park was part of the root of our black history being recognized and taught us well as did Lincoln High School. The community needs to come back together and not be di- vided and get Juneteenth back where it started. Carver Park was our playground and it is an extension of our ancestors and culture bringing families together. Tamala Gary-Robinson is the daughter of Alfred “Fats” Gary who was the owner of the Front Door Club in Texas City. 2February 2015 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 37 3338 | The Daily News | Juneteenth | February 2015 By Robert Stanton For The Daily News G played a pivotal role in the freedom from slavery, and generations later, the church is keeping the spirit alive. Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3, an nouncing to Texas slaves that they were officially free — two years after President Abraham Lin coln had signed the Eman cipation Proclamation. 800 to 1,000 celebrants marched with jubilation to Reedy Chapel Church, where they celebrated the occasion with spirituals and stirring oratory by church and community leaders. It marked the first formal celebration of June teenth in Texas. continues today, linking the past to the present as longtime church members link arms with the youth, ensuring that the occasion remains etched in history. center of one of the most important events in Ameri can history and Reedy Chapel had a very spe cial role in those events,” said local historian and Reedy member Sharon Gillins. “That history is a gift of which we can be very proud; with that gift comes the responsibility to keep the history alive.” Chapel AME Church will host the Juneteenth Home coming for the 150th Emancipation March. Par Reedy Chapel keeps spirit of Juneteenth alive with historic march Izola Collins plays the historic pipe organ at Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church. The organ, which was once water powered, is unique for its middle nineteenth century tone quality and styling. JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News February 2015 | Juneteenth | The Daily News | 39 By Robert Stanton For The Daily News G alveston’s his- toric Reedy Chapel AME Church has played a pivotal role in the freedom from slavery, and generations later, the church is keeping the spirit alive. On June 19, 1865, Gen. Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3, an- nouncing to Texas slaves that they were officially free — two years after President Abraham Lin- coln had signed the Eman- cipation Proclamation. On Jan. 1, 1866, about 800 to 1,000 celebrants marched with jubilation to Reedy Chapel Church, where they celebrated the occasion with spirituals and stirring oratory by church and community leaders. It marked the first formal celebration of June- teenth in Texas. The historic march continues today, linking the past to the present as longtime church members link arms with the youth, ensuring that the occasion remains etched in history. “Galveston was at the center of one of the most important events in Ameri- can history and Reedy Chapel had a very spe- cial role in those events,” said local historian and Reedy member Sharon Gillins. “That history is a gift of which we can be very proud; with that gift comes the responsibility to keep the history alive.” On June 19, 2015, Reedy Chapel AME Church will host the Juneteenth Home- coming for the 150th Emancipation March. Par- ticipants will convene at 6 p.m. on the steps of the Old Galveston Courthouse on 21st and Sealy, where General Order No. 3 will be read. Afterward, celebrants will march three blocks to the church at 2015 Broad- way, where there will be an inspirational program of music, performances, stirring speakers and a reading of the Emancipa- tion Proclamation. “The fact that the city of Galveston and Reedy Chapel are still com- memorating Juneteenth 150 years after it occurred means that generations of ancestors have carried it forward to ensure that the importance of Juneteenth is forever known and cel- ebrated,” Gillins said. “Now,” she added, “we are the generation that has the responsibility to tell the children about how freedom came to the last enslaved people in Amer- ica. Pastor Mary Reed and members of Reedy Chapel AME Church are so proud to pass that information for- ward, especially during this sesquicentennial event.” Former Galveston City Manager Doug Matthews, who helped with efforts to get the Juneteenth legisla- tion passed in 1979 desig- nating June 19 as a paid, state holiday, agreed. It’s (Emancipation March) critical because that was the first celebra- tion,” said Matthews, as- sistant vice president of governmental relations, UTMB health policy and legislative affairs. “Black people heard that they were free, but it was kind of like a shock to them when they first heard it, so there were no parties, no celebrations. “The weather wasn’t that great, and they still showed up. That 800 people would be the equivalent today of 5,000 (people). To me, it’s criti- cal that we celebrate.” Reedy member Angelina Gordon, 44, has taken part in the march since she was a child, and is con- tinuing the family tradition with her 9-year-old daugh- ter, Dominique, a fourth grader at Parker Elemen- tary School. “It’s important for her to learn and understand what happened, and to be a part of her city,” Gordon said. “It’s (march) a com- munity thing, it’s a church thing, and we just hap- pened to be a member of the same church where it all took place. “My hope is that when she grows up that wher- ever she is living, she will pass it on to her children when she’s ready to do that,” said Gordon, an edu- cational consultant. • Reedy Chapel keeps spirit of Juneteenth alive with historic march Izola Collins plays on the historic pipe organ at Reedy Chapel. JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News e . s r e . s Next >