juneteenth celebration
Today is Juneteenth, which marks June 19, the date that Texas first learned of President Abraham Lincoln's declaration that slaves were to be freed.
It is now observed in Texas as a celebration of freedom and human rights.On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Gen. Gordon Granger landed at Galveston with news that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were free.
The Juneteenth celebration in Tyler on Saturday will include a blood drive, parade, events in Woldert Park and a gospel music concert.
The Juneteenth Association of Tyler's blood drive, in conjunction with Carter BloodCare, will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 701 W. 32nd St., near Glass Recreation Center.