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SHERRY FRANKE: “It means responsibility -- no one is truly free -- we are all captives of our hearts. But freely choosing to serve the ones you love. Real freedom is the ability to make choices."
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A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
The Juneteenth Holiday
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day is a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865.
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day is a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865.
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A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
The 4th of July Holiday
Independence Day is a federal holiday also known as the Fourth of July. This special holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of independence on July 4, 1776 declaring our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863. But it wasn't until June 18, 1865 that union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived on Galveston island to take possession of Texas and enforce the emancipation of its slaves.
Juneteenth became a state holiday beginning in 1980 under legislation introduced by a freshman Democratic state representative named Al Edwards.
Independence Day is a federal holiday also known as the Fourth of July. This special holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of independence on July 4, 1776 declaring our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863. But it wasn't until June 18, 1865 that union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived on Galveston island to take possession of Texas and enforce the emancipation of its slaves.
Juneteenth became a state holiday beginning in 1980 under legislation introduced by a freshman Democratic state representative named Al Edwards.
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CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD
The observance of this very important moment in our nations history isn't confined to the boarders of Texas.
As of May 2013, 43 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or special day of observance; these states are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinios, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD
The observance of this very important moment in our nations history isn't confined to the boarders of Texas.
As of May 2013, 43 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or special day of observance; these states are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinios, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
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NATIONAL RECOGNITION OF JUNETEENTH
In 1996 the first legislation to recognize "JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY" was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.J. Resolution 195, sponsored by Barbara-Rose Collins (D-MI). In 1997 Congress recognized the day through Senate Joint Resolution 11 and House Joint Resolution 56. In 2013 the United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 175 acknowledging Lula Briggs Galloway (late president of the National Association of JUNETEENTH Lineage) who "successfully worked to bring national recognition to JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY".
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NATIONAL RECOGNITION OF JUNETEENTH
In 1996 the first legislation to recognize "JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY" was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.J. Resolution 195, sponsored by Barbara-Rose Collins (D-MI). In 1997 Congress recognized the day through Senate Joint Resolution 11 and House Joint Resolution 56. In 2013 the United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 175 acknowledging Lula Briggs Galloway (late president of the National Association of JUNETEENTH Lineage) who "successfully worked to bring national recognition to JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY".
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SCENES FROM THE 2013 ANNUAL
MCJCF SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT
AT QUAIL VALLEY
MCJCF SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT
AT QUAIL VALLEY
Not all of the Juneteenth action took place on stage. This fun and entertaining 18 holes of star-studded golf was open to all individuals and skill levels.These photos where taken at Quail Valley Golf Course.
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 1 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 2 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 3 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 4 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 5 |
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| Pictured (from left) Frank Gracely, Steven Starzell, Anthony Francis and Mayor Allen Owen. |
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| Pictured (from left) Frank Gracely, Steven Starzell, Anthony Francis and Mayor Allen Owen. |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 8 -- Mayor Allen Owen |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 9 -- Mayor Allen Owen |
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| Mayor Allen Owen was seen here talking to former Houston Oilers Head Coach Ed Biles. |
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| Pictured (from left) Councilman Don Smith, Larry Blackmon, Cary Yates, and Mayor Allen Owen. |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 12 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 13 -- Council Member Don Smith |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 14 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 15 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 16 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 17 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 18 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 19 |
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| Scenes from the 2013 Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament 20
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Don’t Forget to Attend the 2014 Juneteeth Celebration Foundation’s Events
The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (MCJCF), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization now in its 12th year, recently announced this year’s week-long line-up of Texas-Sized family related Juneteenth events and activities.
The foundation, the largest of its kind in the nation, has planned a series of community events and activities from June 12-21, most of which are free and open to the general public. Thousands of attendees and participants are again expected to join in the citywide celebration of Juneteenth in Missouri City.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
The foundation’s planned events and activities are set to occur beginning June 16 through the 21, with most events free and open to the general public. Thousands of attendees and participants are again expected to join in the citywide celebration of Juneteenth in Missouri City.
VIP Kick-Off Reception
Missouri city will hold the invitation-only Juneteenth Kickoff Reception on June 12th from 6:30-9 p.m. in the Magnolia Ballroom at the City Centre at Quail Valley.
Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament
The annual MCJC scholarship Golf Tournament will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 16 at the Quail Valley Golf Club. Participants will enjoy a day of golf, including prizes, awards and exciting and competitive fun. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. For more information call (281) 816-6441. The participation fee for this event is $100.
Annual Community Service Awards Gala
Join residents, stakeholders, supporters and staff in the Magnolia Ballroom at the City Centre at Quail Valley on Thursday, June 19th from 7-9:30 p.m. as area volunteers and leaders are recognized for their hard work and dedication to the Missouri City community. The participation fee for this event is $100.
2nd Annual Family Night Out
Family night out will take place at Hunters Glen Park at 4 p.m. on June 20. The free family event will include booths and activities set up by local organizations and City Staff. Families will enjoy the Jackie Robinson biopic “42” as this year’s free outdoor movie at dusk; the event will end at 10 p.m.
“Mile of Smiles” Parade
At 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, the Mile of Smiles parade will begin at Texas Parkway and Court Road and will end at Buffalo Run at Fondren. Area schools, bands, dance teams and Missouri City businesses will make their way through the city for a fun evening parade.
Battle of the Bands
The popular Battle of the Bands will immediately follow the parade at Thurgood Marshall High School in the Athletic Stadium.
For more information on the Juneteenth celebration and to find out how to volunteer or become more involved in this year’s exciting celebration, visit www.mcjcf.org or call 281.816.6441.
For information about future City events, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter—@MissouriCityTX, and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast).
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ABOUT MAYOR ALLEN OWEN
Mayor Owen has made his home in Missouri City for nearly 40 years, and is passionately proud of his city. “I love this city. I have dedicated my life as a committed husband, father, business leader and civic volunteer to making Missouri City the best city imaginable.”
After recently retiring from the banking industry, he has become increasingly involved in improving the quality of life in Missouri City. “For the last 2 years, we have worked hard with our City Council, the economic development team and the local business community to attract over $500,000,000 in new business, leading to hundreds of new jobs.”
According to Forbes Magazine, Missouri City continues to be one of the safest, most affordable, and best places to live in the country. And according to a recent Rice University study, Missouri City was named “…the most ethnically diverse city in the region.”
“I am particularly pleased by the continuing emphasis by our City Council on improving our public safety. We recently opened our first Mini-Police Station, and started construction of Fire Station Number 5. We approved pay increases for our Police and Fire Forces, and hired 5 new Motorcycle Police Officers.” And in spite of struggling economic conditions in other areas, “Missouri City home values have continued to rise but still remain one of the best buys in the region, because of its proximity to Houston and the Texas Medical Center.”
Mayor Owen serves on numerous boards, committees and volunteer organizations, all focused on making Missouri City and the surrounding area a great place to live, work, open a business and raise a family.
Owen and his wife of 45 years are members of First United Methodist Church. Mayor Owen graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University, and Southern Methodist University – Graduate School of Finance and Banking.
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