Former President Joe Biden to Attend Juneteenth Celebration in Galveston
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Joe Biden will be attending a Juneteenth celebration at a historic African Methodist Episcopal church in Galveston.
Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen told Houston Public Radio that the Galveston Police Department requested additional personnel from the sheriff’s office to assist with dignitaries planning to be in the city for the holiday.
Fullen told the public radio station, the Houston Chronicle and KPRC-TV that Biden would be among the dignitaries on hand for events in Galveston to mark the federal holiday.
Background on Juneteenth
In 2021, Biden signed legislation that established Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The day marks the end of slavery by commemorating June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston.
Juneteenth is a significant day in American history, as it represents the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The holiday has been celebrated for over a century, primarily in the southern states, and has gained increasing recognition and observance in recent years.
Event Details
The event Thursday will be at the Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Galveston.
That church, the first and oldest operating AME church in the state, is one of the locations where an order announcing the end of slavery in Texas was announced on that day in 1865, according to the Galveston County Daily News.
The Reedy Chapel AME Church is a historic landmark and a significant cultural institution in Galveston, and its connection to the end of slavery in Texas makes it a fitting venue for the Juneteenth celebration.
Related Stories
Related: Biden signs law making Juneteenth a federal holiday, marking end of slavery in Texas long after emancipation
Related: Five things to know about the National Juneteenth Museum
Related: See The Dallas Morning News’ best stories about Opal Lee in honor of Juneteenth
Breaking News and Updates
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Stay informed about upcoming events and celebrations in your area, and learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth.
Conclusion
Former President Joe Biden’s attendance at the Juneteenth celebration in Galveston is a significant event that recognizes the importance of this federal holiday. The Reedy Chapel AME Church is a historic and culturally significant venue that connects the past to the present, and the celebration will serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality in the United States.
FAQs
Q: What is Juneteenth?
A: Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It is observed on June 19th of every year and marks the day when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas in 1865.
Q: Where is the Juneteenth celebration being held?
A: The Juneteenth celebration is being held at the Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas.
Q: Who is attending the Juneteenth celebration?
A: Former President Joe Biden is among the dignitaries attending the Juneteenth celebration in Galveston.
