JUNETEENTH 2024

Juneteenth is a holiday that not only celebrates the past, but also invites reflection on the future of American democracy and the struggle for justice.

Please join our panel for a discussion of how past freedom fighters such as Frederick Douglass, Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan conceived of emancipation and democratic futures, as well as how the work of Juneteenth continues even today.

Friday, June 14, 2024
9–10:30 a.m. CDT
Room 130, Kraft Hall

Also broadcast on Zoom | Register for the Zoom event at bit.ly/3RAnb4P

Reception to follow

MODERATOR

Alexander X. Byrd ’90
Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Rice University

PANELISTS

Kenitra Brown ’07
President, Association of Rice University Black Alumni and Senior Policy Analyst, Texas Indigent Defense Commission

Sherwin K. Bryant
Director, Center for African and African American Studies, Rice University

Mary Ellen Curtin
Associate Professor of Critical Race, Gender and Culture Studies, American University

Kimberly V. Jones ’19
Assistant Professor, BlackDiaspora in North America and African American History, Department of History, University of Denver

Omar Syed
Vice President and General Counsel, Rice University

UNDER DISCUSSION

FROM 1852
Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
More information to.pbs.org/3yDQfSj

FROM 1964
Fannie Lou Hamer’s Testimony before the Credentials Committee of the Democratic National Convention
More information bit.ly/3R6uDo2

FROM 1974
Barbara Jordan’s statement before the House Judiciary Committee regarding the impeachment of Richard Nixon
More information bit.ly/4c0Cjjo

FROM TODAY
Other key expressions and moments happening right now

Juneteenth Events

Freedom Fest (June 1)

Saturday, June 1, 2024
1 p.m.–7 p.m.
Free
Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston, Texas 77004
www.juneteenthhouston.org

Juneteenth Liberation Market (June 1)

Kick off your Juneteenth celebration with the Liberation Market presented by SOA Co. Books in collaboration with CAMH. Support local vendors and Black literary arts at the museum. Swing by and peruse the market with art throughout the event. New artwork from CAMHLAB artists-in-residence, Tay Butler and Lovie Olivia, will also be on view and open to the public. Sounds by WOMON. Food for purchase available at the POST Market (Food Hall).

Saturday, June 1, 2024
6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Free
POST Houston, 401 Franklin St., Houston, Texas 77201 (CAMHLAB at POST Houston, X Atrium — L1 Southwest Gallery)
https://www.juneteenthhouston.org/events/celebratefreedom-gdrdm-83b6t

“Emancipation Conversations Lecture Series – Histories and Legacies of Emancipation in Black Houston’s History” (June 14)

This panel discussion will explore the overlapping histories and legacies of emancipation across Black Houston, considering the overlapping and expanding emancipatory practices that Black agents deployed to constitute freedom in Houston.

Panelists include: Alex Byrd, Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, Caleb McDaniel, Erika Thompson
Moderated by: Katiera Winfrey
Occasion: Sherwin Bryant.

Friday, June 14, 2024
6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Emancipation Park - 3018 Emancipation, HTX, 77004

Second Annual Freedom Run/Walk (June 15)

Your participation makes a meaningful impact on your health and a positive impact on the community. Proceeds from the event fuel park programming initiatives that have a positive impact all year round. From our quarterly “Fitness Fun Day” events to our weekly hip-hop aerobics, and line dancing classes, your steps help us keep the community moving forward in a positive direction. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker or just looking for a reason to enjoy the park, we’ve got you covered. All fitness levels are more than welcome to join in on the fun. Registration is free. Corporate and team registrations are open, so gather your colleagues, friends and family members and make this an unforgettable day. Together, we stride toward healthier communities and happier lives.

Saturday, June 15, 2024
7 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Free
Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston, Texas 77004
https://www.juneteenthhouston.org/events/2nd-annual-freedom-runwalk

Juneteenth Parade and Picnic (June 15)

Saturday, June 15, 2024
1 p.m.–2 p.m. (Parade)
2 p.m.–5 p.m. ( Picnic)
Free
26th St. and Avenue H, Galveston, Texas 77550
https://www.visitgalveston.com/events/juneteenth-parade-picnic-2/

Fifth Annual Juneteenth Celebration at BLCK Market (June 15-17)

Saturday–Monday, June 15–17, 2024
11 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Free–$8
BLCK Market, 1201 Main St., Suite 101, Houston, Texas 77002
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-juneteenth-celebration-tickets-783650498737

Notes From America Celebrates Juneteenth From Houston (June 16)

For the third consecutive year, WNYC's Notes From America with Kai Wright is bringing a celebration of Juneteenth to the public radio airwaves. And this year, it's bigger than ever!

In partnership with the We The People Coalition and Houston Public Media, Notes From America invites Houston's communities to a live taping of the show on June 16th at 1-3pm CT at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, located at 3015 N. MacGregor Way. The program, which will be recorded for broadcast later that evening and on stations across the country for Juneteenth, will explore the legacy of Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate after Reconstruction, and a former member of the church. Guests will trace the lineage of our democracy today back to the period after Emancipation, and discuss the power and potential of Black voters in contemporary politics.

Attendees will also experience live performances by local artists and the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church choir, and on-site voter registration will be available.

Sunday, June 16, 2024
Doors open at 1 pm, Event started at 1:30 pm - 3 pm
Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3015 N. MacGregor Way, Houston, Texas 77004

Juneteenth Journey: Bridging Past and Present Through Technology (June 18)

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Free
The Ion, 4201 Main St., Houston, Texas 77002
RSVP: https://iondistrict.com/event/juneteenth-journey-bridging-past-and-present-through-technology/

In The Wake of Affirmative Action (June 18)

Join us as we discuss the impact that the SCOTUS decision concerning affirmative action is having on leadership at institutions of higher education and other organizations. How do we continue supporting college access for students from traditionally marginalized communities? How must we provide students with leadership development opportunities so that they are fully equipped to be transformative, equity-driven leaders?

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Free (Regist ration Required)
5 p.m.–5:45 p.m. (Light Cocktails at the Moody Center)
6 p.m. (Discussion at Anderson Clarke Center, Hudspeth Auditorium)
7:15 p.m. (Reception at Anderson Clarke Center, Hudspeth Auditorium)

Juneteenth Family Fun Day! (June 19)

This year’s Juneteenth celebration concludes with a family-focused event, including fun family activities, a vendor market, food trucks, a live DJ, a mobile gaming trailer, and much more

Wednesday, June 19, 2024
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Free
Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston, Texas 77004
https://www.juneteenthhouston.org/events/juneteenth-family-fun-day

Juneteenth Screening of ‘If They Took Us Back’ (June 22)

Fourth Industrial Pictures and local writer/director Holly Charles-Pearson, announces the Houston screening of the provocative alternate history short film “If They Took Us Back,” inspired by a hypothetical exodus of formerly enslaved people back to Africa following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. More than a century later, a descendant of the ‘Black Returns’ decides to break the 160-year exile and return to the U.S. in exchange for overdue reparations from a remorseful, sympathetic and Black-obsessed America.

Majic 102.1 radio personality Madd Hatta will emcee the immersive, Juneteenth-inspired event, which includes not just the screening of the film but also the mini-documentary, “The Making of If They Took Us Back,” live musical performances from featured soundtrack artist Daniel Fears, live vendors and art exhibits, and panel discussions and Q&As with the film, cast and writer/director. The event is hosted by the National Black MBA Association, Houston Chapter.

Saturday, June 22, 2024
3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Free
Emancipation Park Conservancy -—Cultural Center, 3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston, Texas 77004
https://www.juneteenthhouston.org/events/juneteenth-screening-of-if-they-took-us-back