
Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. More generally, it represents the emancipation of African slaves throughout the Confederate South. Traditional celebrations of the event often include public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, period musical performances and poetry.
The HREI Juneteenth Community Panel and Annual Chili Tasting focuses on the local Black Lives Matter movement. Together, local city and county representatives along with community members of color will answer questions, tell their stories, and find solutions to move past racial disparities and into a new change in culture and systems. It takes place on June 19 at HREI from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.