Juneteenth : Local Juneteenth Celebrations

During your tour of three historic houses that tell Houston’s stories from plantation to emancipation, the talented actor brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life in dramatic reenactments. The historical script was written by Martha Whiting-Goddard, Reverend Jack Yates’ great granddaughter, who lived in the Yates House that was relocated to Sam Houston Park.

Juneteenth: A Musical Journey Through Eras” offers a poignant exploration of Black music’s evolution across two immersive evenings, highlighting the soulful expressions of Classic R&B, Blues, Inspirational, Hip Hop, and more.

9:30 a.m. - Juneteenth Freedmen’s Town Bike Riders ride by the Yates House for this photo opportunity tradition

9:45 a.m. - Teacake reception, red velvet coffee will be served

10:00 a.m. - Historian and Poet Dr. Don Williams reads General Order No. 3

10:05 a.m. - Martha Whiting-Goddard, great granddaughter of Reverend Jack Yates, shares family history and what it was like growing up in the Yates House that was moved to Sam Houston Park

10:10 a.m. - The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses -Houston performs (Organization’s History)

10:40 a.m. - Harold Cash reminisces his experience as a black cowboy

11:10 a.m. - Larry Callies shares his inspiration behind the Black Cowboy Museum

11:40 a.m. - Executive Director Alison Bell introduces “From Plantation to Emancipation Tour” as featured and co-designed by Visit Houston, Houston’s tourism board

Noon - Celebration ends

Dr. Ronald Goodwin from Prairie View A&M University will discuss the collection of slave narratives in Texas during the preservation efforts of the New Deal in the 1930s.