Celebrating Juneteenth 2022 in Houston

Juneteenth, a holiday honoring the emancipation of those formerly enslaved in the United States, is right around the corner. After two years of a semi-digital world – and a semi-digital Juneteenth – Houston is joining the crusade back into the normalcy of a face-to-face lifestyle. Here are some ways to celebrate throughout the city this year: 

Juneteenth with Houston Public Library 
This June, the Houston Public Library is shedding light on Juneteenth through featured library events scheduled throughout the month. Visit the HPL website for a chance to meet with local authors and artists to discuss the impact of Juneteenth in Houston on the world around us. 

The Living Room at HPL
Sat., June 18, 1 p.m.
Mancuso Neighborhood Library | 6767 Bellfort Ave.
Mancuso Neighborhood Library is throwing a celebration to mark our country’s second independence day. To learn more about the African American experience in Houston and Texas, join featured artists Toni Simmons, Maria Mayer, and Norola Morgan in an afternoon of talks, storytimes, and crafts for the whole family!

A Juneteenth Celebration at Bayou Bend
Sat., June 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bayou Bend
Admission: Free
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is organizing a family-focused event centered around Black history to commemorate Juneteenth! The program will showcase an art-making workshop, a talk by Ted Ellis, a presentation by performer Jolie Rocke, and a chance to meet a representative from the Wilson Pottery Foundation – one of the first African American based businesses in Texas. 

Local artisans advertising their jewelry. (Photo: Tiffany Malone)

Black Panther and Juneteenth Celebration  
Sat., June 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Children’s Museum Houston
Admission: General Admission 
Join the spirit of Juneteenth at the Children’s Museum through an action-packed day featuring a reflection on Harriet Tubman’s legacy, an interactive Djembre drumming session, and a meet and greet with Black Panther! 

Juneteenth Culinary Celebration
Sat., June 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
2015 Berry St., Houston, TX, 77004
Admission: $100 for indoor participation, free for outdoor market
Chefs Tarsha Gray and Sheri L. Raleigh are collaborating to honor Black women in the culinary field. Eat your way through Juneteenth with a full afternoon including an African drum ceremony, curated brunch and cocktail tastings, an art exhibit premiere, an outdoor market-place, and an exclusive quilt display completed with a swag bag of mementos and recipes to last a lifetime. 

Juneteenth Roundtable
Sat., June 18, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Holocaust Museum Houston and on Zoom
Admission: Free to the public, registration is required
Convict Leasing and Labor Project is teaming up with Texas Center for Justice and Equity to celebrate Juneteenth with their seminar “Who Owns History? Centering Descendants in the Politics of Preservation.” Donna Stephens, Antoinette Jackson, and Marco Robinson unpack the importance of Black cemetery preservation and ethics of public history. 

BLCK Market pop up vendors spreading the spirit of Juneteenth. (Photo: Tiffany Malone)

150 Years of Juneteenth
Sat., June 18, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., June 19, 4p.m.-10 p.m.
Emancipation Park
Admission: Free, ticket required in advance 
The Kinder Foundation is hosting the annual Juneteenth celebration at Emancipation Park. This year is unlike any other, as 2022 will mark 150 years of Juneteenth revered here in Houston. Head to Emancipation Park this Juneteenth to play a part in the initiative to raise awareness towards minorities and honor the abolition of slavery in Texas. Mark your calendars to indulge in a wide variety of food trucks and live performances from the Isley Brothers, Sheila E, and a number of other gospel artists.

BLCK Market 
Sun., June 19, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
East River
Admission: Free, registration on Eventbrite encouraged
BLCK Market is a Houston-based enclave of Black American small businesses and entrepreneurs. Enjoy live music and fresh food while supporting over 50 Black American artisans and vendors from across the country.