One of the most recognizable names in R&B funk music – Midnight Star – will headline the City of Beaumont’s annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, from 4-9 p.m. in Downtown Beaumont on Main Street between the Julie Rogers Theatre (765 Pearl St.) and the Public Library (801 Pearl St.). This popular event offers exciting live entertainment, cultural performances, vendors, and community engagement honoring the history and significance of Juneteenth. Admission is free and open to the public. Guests are also encouraged to bring chairs and enjoy the sights of downtown.
Midnight Star’s history dates to 1976 when the group formed in the halls of Kentucky State University and went on to create an enviable track record that so many in the music business today would love to call their own with massive sing-along iconic hits like “Midas Touch,” “No Parking on the Dance Floor,” “Slow Jam,” “Freak-A-Zoid” and “Wet My Whistle.” Their unforgettable blend of R&B and funk will have the crowd dancing all night long.
“The City of Beaumont Juneteenth Celebration is a wonderful opportunity for the entire community to join neighbors and friends in downtown Beaumont,” said Emily Wheeler, director of event services. “Each year our team works with many city departments to produce this event for the community. We are excited to see everyone in downtown to commemorate this important holiday.”
It was in nearby Galveston, Texas where Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led the Union soldiers June 1865 with news that the enslaved were free. The order read, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”
A year later, a celebration was had in Texas, the first Juneteenth observance to recognize freedom from slavery in the U.S. The Lone Star then led the trail Jan. 1, 1980, to make Juneteenth a state holiday as celebrations were held celebrating African American freedom and achievement. In 2021, Congress signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality,” said Mayor Roy West. “As we come together to celebrate this historic day, let us continue to listen, learn, and uplift one another. Our city thrives because of the rich diversity of its people, and this celebration is a chance to honor that truth. Together, we move forward – stronger, united, and better than ever.”
The following food vendors are registered to participate including Tacos El Primo, Mabel’s Got Them Dogs, The Link Link, Smash Wagon, James BBQ, Juice Krewe Sno Cones, Manny’s Melting Pot, Taquizas El Yiyo, Billy’s Boys Sugartown Melons, Mr. Wilson’s Lemonade and Kona Ice.
Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets to relax between the Julie Rogers Theatre and the Main Library. In addition to lounging in the shade, a cooling tent will be available for patrons to escape the heat.
There will be plenty of free kids’ activities such as Connect 4 Basketball Game with prizes from Kids Zone Sponsor H-E-B, foam party, face painting as well as booth activities from various organizations like LIT, Beaumont Convention Visitors Bureau, Beaumont Public Library and more.
Tents, canopies, and pets will not be permitted.
“The City of Beaumont extends its gratitude to ExxonMobil as the event’s signature sponsor along with Del Papa Distributing (Stage Sponsor) and Giglio Distributing (Partner Sponsor) for their generous support and continued commitment to the community,” added Wheeler.
For more information, view beaumonteventstx.com or call (409) 838-3435.
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag