The 28th Annual Celebration of the Juneteenth USA Celebration attracted a large crowd of freedom lovers from Galveston, Houston and elsewhere. RealPlayer  MP3

Master of Ceremonies Douglas Matthews, chair of the State Juneteenth Advisory Committee, paid tribute to the late Reverend James B. Thomas, the co-founder of the Juneteenth Prayer Vigil event at Ashton Villa.

Former state representative Al Edwards, who co-founded the event with Thomas, and who sponsored legislation that made Juneteenth a state holiday, was the keynote speaker.

Ennis Williams, president of the Old Central Cultural Center, read General Order No.3, which was the document that announced the emancipation of Texas slaves, as well as the Emancipation Proclamation, which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

Matthews thanked a number of people and organizations for support of Juneteenth activities, including the news media. RealPlayer  MP3