Anahuac Celebrates Juneteenth

ANAHUAC— Last week, the community gathered to commemorate Juneteenth and honor its lasting impact on the country.

The Juneteenth Organization held its 27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and BBQ Cook-Off on Saturday, June 21.

"It's a way for all of us to come together," Vice Chair Gilbert O. Speights said.

President Jerald Williams noted the historical impacts of the holiday.

"It's a celebration, but I label it more as a memorial because as African Americans, being that what we've contributed to the United States of America, I think it needs to be memorialized," Williams said, noting the day is also about unity and coming together as a community.

Both Speights and Williams discussed the historical impact of Juneteenth.

This year marked the 160th anniversary of the people of Galveston learning about the Emancipation Proclamation, which was two years after the initial signing.

"Even though they passed the Emancipation Proclamation, they were still mentally not free, but as time went on, they got the courage to grow and expand and grow out of that slavery mindset," Speights said.

Batina "Tina" Smith also displayed the CityWide Black History and Heritage Exhibit, showcasing local history.

Volunteer Kanisha Coates shared that she uses the event to inspire younger generations to strive for success, explaining she was an Anahuac High School graduate who now works in mission control at NASA.

"There was a time when a brown young lady like me couldn't sit in mission control," Coates said. "It allows me to come back to my community to let little brown and black girls know that you can dream beyond the stars."

The event included vendors, giveaways, dance contests and more. Cook-off categories included ribs, chicken, beans and black pot.

“Pretty Ricky” Anderson won the chicken and beans categories. Kedrick Williams won the ribs category, and Eric Roy won the black pot category.

The event also included the crowning of the king and queen, chosen by academic achievements and extracurricular activities.

This year's king was Jerrell Gaughey, and the queen was Kayla Kerl.

The event started in a church setting, traditionally held indoors. It has grown over the past two years and is now held outdoors at G.W. Carver Park.

Williams explained that the organization is trying to make the event more festive without taking away from the educational aspects.

"It's a day that needs to be memorialized, and that's what I'm trying to do as the president of this organization, is just to make people aware of this," Williams said.

Williams added that he hopes the annual event will continue to grow, potentially adding a few carnival rides, horseback rides, and more.