This commemoration story dates back to June 19, 1865, when news that the Civil War had ended reached Galveston, Texas—nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation—declaring that “all persons held as slaves are, and henceforward shall be free.” This annual recognition of emancipation provides an important opportunity to both celebrate progress and acknowledge the reality that there is much work to be done in the pursuit of racial equity in this country and beyond.

Dance events include

• A group dance lesson, featuring steps of the African diaspora, with Melisa Valdez, professional dancer, dance coach, and head instructor at trillfit
• Scynthia Charles and Ellice Patterson performing new work with original jazz and gospel-inspired music by Andrew Choe. Abilities Dance promotes dance for individuals with and without disabilities
• Students from the Davis Leadership Academy perform dance and drumming immersed in African heritage and traditions