Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas and other confederate states on June 19, 1865. On that day, 250,000 enslaved African Americans were given their freedom. This came two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in the United States. Texas was the first state to make Juneteenth a significant holiday in the late 1970s and a state holiday in 1980 — it is now considered to be the longest-running African American holiday.

Buda Juneteenth Celebration 

Residents can meet at the Buda City Park Pavilion on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy live music, activities and food in an outdoor setting. The city hosted a community-wide car parade last year, to abide by COVID-19 regulations, while still providing a way to celebrate the holiday.

Kyle Dialogue for Peace and Progress 

Leaders and members of the community will join together at Kyle City Hall on Friday, June 18 at 7 p.m. to participate in an open dialogue. Panelists include Vanessa Westbrook of the Hays County Historical Commission,  Kyle Police Department Chaplain Marquet Curl, President of the Kyle Law Enforcement Association Officer Phillip Cleary, President of Vision in Progress at Texas State University Tyler Robinson, Assistant Director of the IMPACT Education Program Morgan Curl, University of Texas Student Government Director of Advocacy Mackenzie Smith, Lulling ISD Assistant Principal Donye Curry and Anthony Davis of the Hays County Historical Commission. Council member Dex Ellison will moderate the discussion.

Virtual options will also be available on Kyle Spectrum Channel 10, YouTube or the city of Kyle’s Facebook page.

Kyle Library Juneteenth Celebration

Residents are invited to visit the Kyle Public Library on Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon for a virtual tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Slavery and Freedom exhibit. The tour is about 36 minutes and will take place in Meeting Room B. This event is open to the public. 

Dripping Springs Juneteenth Proclamation 

The Dripping Springs City Council is slated to proclaim Saturday, June 19 as “Juneteenth Freedom Day.” To view the full proclamation, please view the city council’s June 15 agenda packet.

“Then and Now: Illuminating Black Voices in the Historic Dunbar Community”

• Hosted by the ACCEYSS Network from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• 174 S Guadalupe Street, Suite 105, San Marcos, Texas 78666
• There will be space for 20 to 30 people with a live stream option on Facebook

Virtual Art Show in Dripping Springs 

Empowering Positive Change will sponsor a virtual art show that highlights art pieces from a variety of genres with a Juneteenth theme. Viewing of art will begin on June 18 and can be found at: https://tejasfolkarts.wixsite.com/juneteenthart/2021-gallery

Juneteenth Unity Walk 

Families, friends and neighbors can gather at the intersection of LBJ and Martin Luther King, Jr. in San Marcos at the LBJ MLK Crossroad Memorial beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 19 for a unity walk to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday. The route will end at Dunbar Park.