Cause for Celebration

Juneteenth celebrations have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but apparently unless you're African-American and from Texas, there's a good chance you may not know exactly what Juneteenth is, in spite of it being an official state holiday. OK, here's your quick Texas History lesson. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read the Military Orders freeing 250,000 slaves in Texas. That was two and a half years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation—better late than never. This sparked celebrations all over the state, and for the past 141 years, black Texans have celebrated their freedom from slavery on the 19th of June. On Saturday, the African-American Museum will celebrate Juneteenth with its 6th Annual Blues and Jazz Fest from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the museum lawn in Fair Park, 3536 Grand Ave. So round up the family, pack a lunch and be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The event will include performances by artists such as Dallas native Big Charles Young and the Sheldon Wright Quintet. The event is free and open to the public. Visit aamdallas.org or call 214-565-9026.
Sat., June 17, 3-7 p.m.