An annual tradition for more than a decade, the City of Beaumont has announced details for its Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15, 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.
It was in nearby Galveston, Texas where Major 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.”
The following year, in 1866, a celebration was had in Texas, the first Juneteenth observance to recognize freedom from slavery in the U.S. Texas then blazed 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.
This year’s headlining performance features iconic R&B funk group, Con Funk Shun, whose infectious rhythms and soulful beats have been captivating the crowd for more than 50 years. One of their many hits, “Love’s Train,” was recently rerecorded by Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak) and hit No. 1 on the charts. Con Funk Shun’s current lineup includes three original members – Michael Cooper, Felton Pilate, and Karl Fuller – as well as the talents of Kurt “KC” Clayton, Ron Moton, Aaron Green, Rene Escovedo, Brian LaTour, Steve Sullivan and Master of Ceremony, Clarence Isadore.
If that wasn’t enough, Koray Broussard and the Zydeco Unit will be the perfect start to kick off the celebration alongside local favorite, DJ Erik Tee, who will be the emcee for the event, and keep the crowd energized with a blend of music, dance, and other entertainment.
“We hope the entire community will join us for this family friendly event in Downtown,” said Emily Wheeler, director of event services. “The park between the library and the theatre is a beautiful and shaded gem in our city – perfect for a summer celebration.”
The City of Beaumont Recreation Department will once again host the 12 and under Free Throw Competition, with fantastic prizes waiting for first and second place winners. Registration for the competition will take place at the event, and it is free to enter. This is a fantastic chance for young basketball enthusiasts to showcase their skills and compete for fun.
For those who are hungry, a variety of food trucks will be on Main Street, serving delicious cuisine to satisfy everyone’s taste buds such as Kona Ice, MB Mary Brazier, Mabel’s, Gelu Italian Ice, Dime’s Delightful Treats, Simply Sweet Kettle Corn & Lemonade, All The Smoke BBQ, Wing Junkiez, V’s Kitchen Jamaican Style, Mrz Teez Food Truck and KO Korean Grill.
In addition to lounging in the shade, a cooling tent will be available for patrons to escape the heat. Tents, canopies, and pets will not be permitted.
“Juneteenth is an opportunity for all of us to learn from one another and to celebrate a community where everyone is valued and respected,” said Mayor Roy West. “Let us honor the past by building a future based on equity and justice. Our city is much better because of our diversity. Let us all celebrate together. We are better together.”
The City of Beaumont extends its gratitude to ExxonMobil as the event’s signature sponsor along with Del Papa Distributing, Giglio Distributing, and Eastex Urgent Care for their generous support and continued commitment to the community.
For more information, view beaumonteventstx.com or call (409) 838-3435.