image

Live music, art installations and Black business vendors filled Emancipation Park Sunday.

HOUSTON — Although Juneteenth falls on June 19, Houstonians began the celebration early with the “Celebrate Freedom Festival” on Sunday at Emancipation Park. 

The day was filled with vibrant sights and sounds — from a lively parade through the historic park to cultural performances, art installations and local vendors. The event, now in its third year, served as both a community gathering and a tribute to the legacy of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

Sherry Browning, an attendee who has not missed a single year of the festival, said this is more than a celebration — it is a way to educate the youth.

“The kids need to know about their history, number one, that’s the most important thing, to take it on to their generation over and over,” Browning said.

The event highlighted Black culture and history, with performances on stage, several Black-owned businesses selling their products, and artistic tributes honoring the pioneers of Juneteenth. The holiday was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.

John Nickols, chair of Juneteenth Houston, grew emotional as he reflected on the impact of the event and the memory of his ancestors.

“To have all of these people here and everybody’s having a good time, like, I feel like we’re doing it right,” Nickols said.

This year’s festival also brought together representatives from seven historic Black communities in Houston — a rare collaboration that Nickols said was especially meaningful.

“To be able to bring everybody together like that is incredible,” he said.

For business owners like Oluwatoyin Olaoya, who runs Bimsol Stores, the festival is a chance to help others connect to their heritage.

“We sell African clothing, ready-to-wear African clothing,” she said.

Sharing those garments with the community is deeply personal to her.

“Bringing something here like this to them or taking something to them that they can wear and say okay, I’m a part of this, this is who we are, this is what we wear, and that’s very important to me,” Olaoya said.

Independent artist K. Sherrie also found inspiration in the holiday, channeling the spirit of Juneteenth into her work.

 “No matter what the story is for the artist, if you can find yourself in it or find a connection to it, then that’s the point,” she said.

As the city gears up for more events leading up to June 19, the early festivities served as a powerful reminder of freedom, unity, and heritage.