JISD Week of June 16, 2025 Newsletter

In Galveston on June 19, 1865, U.S. Major General Gordon Granger performed a public reading of General Order Number 3, beginning with, "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free......." (from National Geographic)

The following year, on June 19, 1866, the formerly enslaved people of Galveston, Texas celebrated a year of freedom with the first Juneteenth celebration. These celebrations quickly spread to the rest of the state and the country, and they continue today, including here in Jasper.

Soon after being granted freedom from slavery, black Texans began accumulating land on which was established Freedmen's Settlements, otherwise known as Black Settlements, Freedom Colonies, or Freedmen's Towns. Jasper County and neighboring Newton County are rich with communities that began as Freedmen's Settlements, continue to thrive today, and hold a hallowed place in our local history. (from the Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas and The Texas Freedom Colonies Project)

Below are websites containing both information about Juneteenth and activities for kids:

The Texas Freedom Colonies Project provides an interactive map for locating and learning about these communities. There are so many in our area and visiting these locations could be an enriching experience for families: 
https://www.thetexasfreedomcoloniesproject.com/atlas 

KJAS shared that a Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Thursday, June 19, from 11:00-6:00 at the old VFW Hall on FM 2799 in the Dixie Community. The event is free, and will feature food, music, vendors, games, and museum tours. The event is sponsored by Lone Star Youth Council, Inc. and Community and Family Historical Preservation Association, Inc.

*As with all events shared through the weekly newsletter, please confirm event details with the sponsoring organization.

**If there are other community Juneteenth celebrations that you would like added to this edition of the Bulldog Bulletin, please send them to kimberly.parker@jasperisd.net.