The Black Cultural Council of Odessa kicked off this year’s Juneteenth celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday at Woodson Park.
This year’s Juneteenth celebrations in Odessa will take place through June 18 with numerous events at different places.
The kickoff ceremony included comments from Black Cultural Council of Odessa President Jo Ann Davenport Littleton, former Odessa City Council Member Mari Willis, State Rep. Brooks Landgraf as well as a proclamation by Odessa Mayor Javier Joven.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. Usually held annually on June 19, it became a federally recognized holiday two years ago.
Juneteenth’s commemoration is on the anniversary date of June 19, 1865 when the announcement of General Order No.3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger was made, proclaiming freedom of enslaved people in Texas.
“It is an opportunity for all of residents of Odessa and the surrounding communities to embrace, educate, enjoy and have a great time,” Willis said. “We welcome you to understand and embrace the why of the celebration. Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States.”
Willis said to the audience members to remember the “why” of the holiday.
“Understand the why on June 17, 2021 when Juneteenth became an official holiday,” Willis said. “Understand the why that the emancipation proclamation, issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863 established that all enslaved people are not just free but forever free. On June 19, thus Juneteenth, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston finally received the new that they were not only free but free indeed. That’s just a little of the story. We welcome you and encourage you to learn the rest of the story and, more importantly, be in the story by taking it to the next level. Making a difference one step, one day, one moment at a time.”
This year’s Juneteenth events in Odessa will range from the opening gospel celebration to a parade, as well as basketball tournaments and youth in the park.
Odessa’s Juneteenth celebration has long been recognized as the largest in the state of Texas.
This year’s theme is “Taking it to the Next Level.”
The celebration continues with the annual All White Party which is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. June 15 at the Odessa Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.
The All White Party will feature musical guest Dominque Hammons.
Tickets for the All White Party are $50 per person.
The Juneteenth Pageant will take place at 7 p.m. June 16 at Blackshear Elementary.
Friday and Saturday will feature the Danny Wright Juneteenth Basketball Tournament at the Woodson Boys and Girls Club.
There will also be the Fourth Annual Regina McKnight Juneteenth Volleyball Tournament Friday evening and Saturday with all games taking place at Ector Fieldhouse.
Youth in the Park will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 17 at Woodson Park and feature different activities.
Lauryn Caldwell will be the guest speaker at an interactive social skills workshop called “Taking it to the Next Level” beginning at 2 p.m. June 17 at the Woodson Community Center.
This year’s Juneteenth parade will start at 7 p.m. June 17 with the route beginning on Dixie Blvd. before continuing to Murphy St. and ending at Barrett Dr.
The Hometown Heroes will take place at 9 p.m. at the Main Stage at the Woodson Community Center and will honor Bobbie Caufield, Stella Stevenson and Lula Mae Washington. Afterwards will be the Battle of the DJ’s featuring DJ One Way and DJ Eden at the Woodson Community Center.
The Sixth Annual 35 and Older Legends Juneteenth Basketball Tournament will start at 1 p.m. June 18 at the Woodson Boys and Girls Club.
The week’s events will close with Shout Cheerleading by Welton on the Main Stage at the Woodson Community Center at 8 p.m. June 18 followed by Laff’ n Outside with the Lord at the same location.
For more information regarding this year’s Juneteenth events, go to odessabcc.org/juneteenth.
