On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston to tell enslaved people they were free.
General Robert E. Lee had surrendered two months earlier, more than two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The historic day is now commemorated as Juneteenth, the end of slavery in the United States.
Here are some ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Arlington, Fort Worth and Grand Prairie this year:
Block party
What: The community is invited to enjoy live music, poetry readings, dancing, food trucks and more at a Juneteenth block party organized by the Arlington Museum of Art and Create Arlington.
When: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Near the museum and the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, 100 S Center St.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Free parking is available throughout downtown.
Details: Vendors and food trucks will set up along West Main Street, which will be closed to vehicle traffic between Pecan and South Center streets.
Black artists
What: Check out the ″30 Americans” exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art, which features 30 of the country’s most influential Black artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mickalene Thomas, Kara Walker, Carrie Mae Weems and Kehinde Wiley.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The museum will waive its fee 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: 201 W. Main St.
Cost: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 55 and older, $5 for students and free for children and military.
Details: The exhibit “focuses on issues of race, sexuality, gender, and historical identity in contemporary culture while exploring the powerful influence of artistic legacy and community across generations,” according to a press release. It is on loan from the Rubell Museum in Miami.
Live music
What: Levitt Pavilion will host an outdoor concert featuring two Black artists. Singer and songwriter Key LeBlanc will bring a combination of soul-pop, rock and Afro-beat to the stage, followed by American Idol finalist Ron Bultongez, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and lived in Plano.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: 100 W. Abram St.
Cost: The concert is free and open to the public.
Details: Concertgoers can bring chairs, blankets, snacks or a picnic dinner and a cooler with beverages, but no glass containers. Concessions are also available for purchase.
Community parade
What: Next door to Arlington, Grand Prairie will celebrate the day with a community parade and brief program.
When: Parade will begin to line up at 9 a.m. Saturday and should start around 10 a.m.
Where: Begins at City Hall, 300 W. Main St., and ends at Tyre Park, 2327 Tyre St.
Details: For more information, call Monte Whetstone at 972-237-4760.
FTW Community Festival
What: In nearby Fort Worth, the Juneteenth FTW Community Festival will include live music, food, culture and fireworks. R&B singer-songwriter Vivian Green will perform and comedian Rudy Rush will host.
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St.
Details: General admission is $20 and free for kids 12 and under. Festival-goers can bring lawn chairs, tents and blankets, but no grills, coolers or pets.
Opal’s Walk for Juneteenth
What: Fort Worth resident Opal Lee, 94, will embark on her annual 2.5-mile walk to advocate for the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday.
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Where: Evans Avenue Plaza, 1050 Evans Ave.
Details: Tickets are available to join Lee or walk on your own and are $10 for children and $20 for adults. Her walk will also be streamed on Fox Soul.
