Juneteenth Celebrations Draw Crowds and Spark Conversations Across the US

Thousands of people gathered in Galveston, Texas to celebrate Juneteenth, the day when Union General Gordon Granger arrived to read Order No. 3, freeing 250,000 people in Texas from slavery. Reedy Chapel, the first documented celebration of Juneteenth on the island of Galveston, hosted visitors interested in learning about the history of Juneteenth and the church's unique role in its origins. Families like the Gray's traveled from across the country for their first family reunion in 30 years and to learn about their roots and ancestry.