TEXAS REPRESENTATIVE CHARLENE WARD JOHNSON SPEARHEADS JUNETEENTH IN ACRES HOMES

Written by Michael Thervil

TEXAS REPRESENTATIVE CHARLENE WARD JOHNSON SPEARHEADS JUNETEENTH IN ACRES HOMES | PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

[Texas Representative Charlene Ward Johnson Juneteenth Texas Acres Homes] With the relatively new federal holiday of “Juneteenth” coming up, Houston, Texas Acres Homes Community Leader and Texas State Representative Charlene Ward Johnson of District 139 has set out to host this year's weeklong Juneteenth celebratory event. Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. According to the historical ledger, Black American slaves in Texas were unaware that they were free from institutionalized slavery. It was the union troops who informed an estimated 250,000 Black American Texas slaves that they were free. The following is a Press release that was released from the office of Texas State Representative Charlene Ward Johnson of District 139.

“With the support of many Acres Homes community leaders, Representative Charlene Ward Johnson has announced that she will host the 2026 Annual Acres Homes

Juneteenth Parade on Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The parade will begin at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center (6719 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77091) and end on Dolly Wright Street.

After learning that the parade was set to be cancelled due to scheduling conflicts and shortage of resources due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Rep. Ward Johnson had concerns about not continuing the long-standing tradition of the annual Juneteenth parade and reached out to community leaders.

Every June, thousands of Houstonians gather across the city to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865— the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom through the Emancipation Proclamation. It became an official state holiday effective in 1980 after decades of continued advocacy led by former Texas State Representative Al Edwards and community activists before becoming a celebrated national holiday.

The Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade has long served as a symbol of unity, culture, freedom, and pride within the Acres Homes community and throughout Houston. The event honors the history and significance of Juneteenth while bringing together families, churches, schools, businesses, organizations, and local leaders in celebration.

The Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade grew significantly in 2008 under the leadership of former Houston Mayor and Acres Homes native Sylvester Turner. Since then, it has become a valued tradition that residents across Harris County look forward to each year.

“When I first learned that the Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade might not take place this year, my heart was heavy. I knew then that I had to step forward and ask the community to come together to help preserve this important tradition. This event is more than a parade — it is a pillar of our community, a celebration of our freedom, and a reflection of the resilience and unity that defines Acres Homes.

“I am deeply honored to continue building on the legacy of leaders such as former Congressman Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and dedicated community advocates Allen Parker, Beulah Shepard, and Ruby Mosley, whose lifelong commitment to civil rights and community empowerment helped shape the spirit of Acres Homes for generations,” said Rep. Ward Johnson.

Planning is currently underway for a safe, organized, and memorable event that reflects the spirit and history of Juneteenth. Organizers are inviting participation from local schools, marching bands, civic groups, churches, businesses, car clubs, elected officials, and community organizations.

Additional details regarding parade registration, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer participation, and event schedules will be announced in the coming days.

Community members interested in participating, supporting, or sponsoring the parade are encouraged to send an email to: acreshomesjuneteenth2026@gmail.com.”