06/19/2026
Juneteenth is more than a date on the calendar.
It marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they had been freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
At Faithbridge Presbyterian Church, we take time to honor this important part of our nation's history and celebrate the freedom, resilience, and contributions of our African American brothers and sisters.
We also remember two leaders who helped bring greater awareness to Juneteenth:
• Opal Lee, known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," whose advocacy helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.
• Al Edwards, the Texas state representative known as the "Father of Juneteenth," who led the effort to make Juneteenth an official Texas holiday.
As a welcoming and affirming congregation, we believe every person's story matters. This Juneteenth, we join in celebrating freedom, dignity, and the ongoing work of building a community where everyone belongs.
Happy Juneteenth from Faithbridge Presbyterian Church.