152 years ago, Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and made a declaration of freedom ending the bondage of approximately 250,000 enslaved men, women and children in Texas. Since that time “Juneteenth” has been celebrated and remembered by picnics, parades, family reunions, pageants, barbecues and games. Join us as we observe this important occasion by celebrating the rich African American heritage and culture of the Brazos Valley, past and present. This new program for Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park will include artifact exhibits, art displays, prominent guest speakers such as historians and genealogists, living history buffalo soldiers and cowboys, church choir performances, food and more!

Event Highlights:

• Dr. Andrew Torget, Professor of History at University of North Texas, author of Seeds of Empire: Cotton, Slavery, and the Transformation of the Texas Borderlands, 1800-1850
• Stonehamville United Methodist Church (Plantersville, TX) Youth Choir
• Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church (Brenham, TX) Men’s Choir
• Chappell Hill Historical Society to display works of late African American artist Rev. Johnnie Swearingen
• Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Program
• Prairie View Trail Riders Association
• BBQ and Beverages available for purchase