How you can commemorate the recently adopted holiday, Juneteenth

CENTRAL TEXAS (KWTX) – Juneteenth marks the day slavery ended in the U.S. more than 150 years ago, and many businesses and government agencies are closed in recognition of the recently adopted federal holiday.

“I would encourage people to understand and truly become knowledgeable and educated on what took place on this actual day on Juneteenth,” President of the NAACP Killeen Chapter, TaNeika Driver-Moultrie, said.

On June 19, 1865, the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation was ordered in Galveston. Driver-Moultrie said during her research, including spending time in Galveston, she learned that the freed slaves celebrated in song, fellowship and food.

“This helped us culminate the Juneteenth festivities for the NAACP,” she said.

Many events, parades and celebrations already happened in Central Texas over the weekend. She said the parade and festivities have grown over the years since it was adopted as a federal holiday in 2021. She said the fire department participated for the first time this year, leading the parade with the Miss Juneteenth and Junior Miss Juneteenth.

“We had people from all organizations, all entities, individuals, participate in the parade, and that’s what we love to see,” she said. “We always say there is unity in the community, and literally speaking, the word unity is in community. So, we are just excited that we are able to come together as a community in order to embrace this Juneteenth holiday that actually started here in the state of Texas.”

However, there may not be as many events or festivities on the actual day this year, when many are off of work. So, she is encouraging people to take time to learn about Juneteenth and its significance, which could mean coming together with others.

“I ask you as a President of the NAACP, just to embrace what took place on this significant day in history, because it is a part of our history,” she said. “You never can know too much. So understand the purpose and the why behind Juneteenth. When you understand the purpose of why you’re celebrating and why you’re celebrating the actual holiday, then it makes more sense to you.”

As for future Juneteenth parades, festivities and events, Driver-Moultrie said organizations are hoping to include more events throughout the city next year.

“There’s other places that we also celebrate and make our presence known that we are here to celebrate this day of freedom, not just in one particular part of the city, but in all parts of the city,” she said. “We do continue to grow every single year, other entities have even come aboard and have their own celebrations, which is truly great.”