Before Juneteenth became a national celebration… before President Biden signed it into law… before the nation remembered—one man in Houston, Texas refused to forget.
His name was Rev. C. Anderson Davis, and through sheer will, organizing brilliance, and unwavering faith, he helped revive a celebration that was dangerously close to being erased. Though largely unknown by the public, many in Texas rightfully call him the Godfather of Juneteenth—a title he earned not with fame, but with fearless determination.
A Forgotten Holiday and a Relentless Vision
In the early 1970s, Juneteenth had all but disappeared from the public consciousness—even in Texas. Local governments weren’t sponsoring events. Schools didn’t teach it. And many within the Black community saw it as something from a different era.
But Rev. Davis knew the truth: freedom delayed is still worth remembering. After moving to Houston in the late 1960s as a field representative for the NAACP, Davis restructured the National Emancipation Association (NEA) in 1973. The goal? Bring Juneteenth back to the forefront of American memory.
Despite pushback from officials and reluctance from local leaders, Davis organized what would become the first modern Juneteenth Freedom Festival in Houston in 1974. He made space for speakers, music, history, and community gathering—and he didn’t stop there.
The Proclamation That Changed Texas
One of Davis’s greatest contributions came in the form of a written proclamation. This document, honoring the significance of Juneteenth and urging official recognition, was later echoed—almost word for word—by Texas Representative Al Edwards when he passed legislation making Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980.
Though Davis did not receive public credit at the time, his behind-the-scenes work laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Building Black Futures, Not Just Black History
Rev. Davis didn’t just advocate for historical recognition—he helped build infrastructure for economic growth. He founded the NEA Credit Union, providing essential loans and scholarships to inner-city students and minority-owned businesses. At a time when Black communities were locked out of traditional banking, Davis offered a lifeline.
He also served on civic boards, supported the elderly and disabled, and mentored youth—quietly ensuring that the fight for liberation extended beyond symbolic holidays into real-world support.
Honoring a Legacy
Rev. C. Anderson Davis passed away in 2007, but his impact echoes through every Juneteenth parade, school lesson, and federal acknowledgement of the holiday.
Today, millions celebrate what he helped restore.
So as we wave flags, wear red, and reflect on the journey of freedom—let’s also remember the man who reignited the flame when it almost went out.
Say his name: Rev. C. Anderson Davis.
And say it with pride.
