Juneteeth is the oldest known celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States. It's an important holiday in Texas history. Juneteenth is the term for June 19, 1865. It's the day Union General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston with news the Civil War was over and that slaves were freed.
A special celebration was held locally. The owner of the Lucky Libra Lounge located at 2816 Ruth St. decorated the hall and invited everyone including children to stop by for barbecue, games, and prizes.
"Means a lot to me, coming from where I came from. You know I come, I come from the streets, I'm a product of my own environment and kids and family are very important to me. I've got 9 kids of my own," said owner, Vernon Durhart.
Duhart hopes to make his celebration an annual event.
All of today's food, drink, and prizes were donated by the community.
