Texas Southern University participates in Juneteenth commemorations

Texas Southern University participates in Juneteenth commemorations

(Houston) June 3, 2022 – Members of the Texas Southern University community will honor Juneteenth at several events throughout the month on campus and in the Houston region.

Juneteenth celebrates the day that slaves in Galveston, TX, were notified of their freedom. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced the end of slavery. However, this news came almost two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.

Texas Southern University alumnus and former state representative, the late Al Edwards (’66), initiated legislation to establish Juneteenth as a holiday in Texas. As a freshman state representative, Edwards, commonly known as “Mr. Juneteenth,” introduced the holiday under House Bill 1016.

This year, the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs is commemorating Juneteenth by launching the TSU Juneteenth Statewide Calendar and Website. This website will be a resource for Juneteenth events around the state of Texas, and to share events year-round that honor the Juneteenth spirit.

A list of Juneteenth events either sponsored by or involving Texas Southern University is below:

Emancipation Conversations Talk: Policing Communities of Color

Tuesday, June 14, 2022, 6-9 p.m., at Emancipation Park (sponsored by the Emancipation Park Conservancy)

Founding Director of TSU’s Center for Justice Research, Dr. Howard Henderson, joins Harris County Court #15 Judge Tonya Jones, PJ Floyd (brother of the late George Floyd), and Emancipation Park Conservancy Director of Programs and Strategic Partnerships, Dr. Whitney Threadcraft, to discuss policing and the current state of our communities. Register here for this event.

Juneteenth – Freedom Work (in-person and virtual discussion)

Friday, June 17, 2022; 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Hudspeth Auditorium, Rice University

 Join the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association, the Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association, and the Rice University Association of Rice Alumni to celebrate Juneteenth with three panels exploring ideas and questions central to the holiday. For additional information: https://diversity.rice.edu/juneteenth

In Person: Hudspeth Auditorium, Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
Tickets are free and required for the in-person event. Reserve a seat here: https://bit.ly/3GikKN9

Online via Zoom: Register here: https://bit.ly/3lODb2y

Mayor Turner’s 9th Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade

Saturday, June 18, 2022, 10 a.m.-noon; Acres Homes Multi-Service Center (6719 W. Montgomery)

 KTSU 90.9FM will emcee the parade as the official radio sponsor of the 9th Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade, hosted by Mayor Sylvester Turner. For more information, click here.

TSU Juneteenth Statewide Calendar.”

Saturday, June 18, 2022, 4-5 p.m. (Reception), 5-7 p.m. (Roundtable Discussion)

This is an inaugural launching of the Juneteenth Texas Statewide Calendar & Website. This inaugural launch event will be an annual Juneteenth celebration. This will be a hybrid event.  The reception will be followed by a roundtable discussion. The panelists for the roundtable discussion are State Rep. Ron Reynolds, David Lee Edwards (Rep. Al Edwards’ brother), and several others. Dr. Merline Pitre (Houston Historical Society, former TSU professor of history, and noted author) will speak briefly before the roundtable discussion.

The inaugural launching of the Juneteenth Texas Statewide Calendar & Website is in honor of the legislation spearhead by Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee and passed by 46th U.S. President Joe Biden. It is also in honor of State Representative Al Edwards who sponsored House Bill 1016 in the 66th Texas Legislature making Juneteenth an official holiday in the state of Texas in 1980. This holiday commemorates the end of slavery. TSU embraces Juneteenth and calls for all HBCUs – in Texas and around the country – to join us in making Juneteenth monumental, painting a picture that will forever stun the American public and the world.

 Emancipation Park 150th Juneteenth Celebration, presented by Kinder Foundation
Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19, 2022, 4-10 p.m. each day

KTSU 90.9FM hosts the main stage at Emancipation Park’s 150th Juneteenth Celebration, presented by Kinder Foundation, which will be the largest event in the Park’s history. This once in a lifetime occasion highlights the Park’s legacy and sets the stage for the next 150 years. Live performances by the Isley Brothers, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Kook and the Gang, and Sheila E. The celebration opens on Saturday with a ceremony acknowledging Juneteenth and Emancipation Park’s history. Throughout the day attendees will have access to local vendors, interactive kid zones and much more. Click here for more information.

Juneteenth: The Journey to Freedom
Sunday, June 19, 8:30-11 p.m., Miller Outdoor Theatre

Join with official radio partner KTSU 90.9FM for a brilliant performance filled with dramatic visuals, live music, narrations, and dance that tells the story of African Americans from 1865 to today and their journey to the celebration of freedom. Presented in partnership with Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston First and City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. Additionally, this performance will be livestreamed. You can choose to watch it on the Miller Outdoor Theater website here, the YouTube Channel here, or Facebook here!

 “The Sound of Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration”
Saturday, June 25, 2022, 3 p.m.

Dr. Jason Oby, Chairman of the Texas Southern University Department of Music, has curated an exciting program for the Houston Ebony Opera Guild’s next concert. Serving as the finale for our region’s 2022 observance of Juneteenth, the program is entitled “The Sound of Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration.” The program will feature art songs and arrangements of African American spirituals by contemporary and pioneering composers renowned for their work in those genres. Dr. Gwendolyn Alfred, soprano and coordinator of the voice faculty will also be prominently featured on the program.  This concert will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the historic Antioch Baptist Church – Downtown, 500 Clay Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted.

For additional information, call Dr. Oby at 713-313-7263 or the Guild’s office at 713-335-3800.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

Scroll to Top
Search