Denton Area Congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to join the Juneteenth Celebration in Denton, Texas

Denton Texas Stake members of The Church of Jesus Christ are invited to attend and volunteer at the two-day community event.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is an American holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the US Civil War had ended. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln nearly two and a half years earlier on January 1, 1863, was then put into full effect. Texas was the last state in the Confederacy in which enslaved people officially gained their freedom.

Juneteenth, also called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” became a Texas state holiday in 1980 and a US federal holiday in 2021. Since 1891, Denton residents have celebrated the holiday with annual picnics, dances, concerts, and more. Prominent figures were invited to speak at the festivities, and in the 1890s, famed Denton teacher and civic leader Fred Moore and his band would perform at local Juneteenth celebrations.

Ave’maria Griffin, Denton Stake Community Outreach Specialist and Denton City Juneteenth Planning Committee member, says, “This year’s celebration of Juneteenth here in Denton will be a 2-day event with Gospel Night on Friday the 16th followed by a host of activities on Saturday the 17th.

“But Juneteenth is more than just food and fun; it’s a time to reflect on our country, state, city, and neighborhoods. What are we doing to further ensure the progression of freedom and equality for all of God’s children? How are we contributing to this cause of unity in the community?

“Extend the hand of fellowship and friendship by volunteering or attending this year’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration. Volunteers are needed for both days and can be done by visiting and clicking the link with sign-up genius”:

Click HERE to sign up to volunteer.

To learn more about Denton’s 2023 Juneteenth Celebration, click HERE. For quick access to the calendar of Juneteenth events in Denton, click HERE.