The Rev. Michael Smith of Mount Bethel Bethel Baptist Church in Big Spring gives the opening prayer during the Juneteenth celebration in Odessa Wednesday. The Wednesday events kick off a full slate of events through June 22 in Odessa. (Jennifer Guerrero|Odessa American)
Jo Ann Davenport Littleton, president of the Black Cultural Council of Odessa, and Odessa Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Renee Earls attend the kick off of Odessa Juneteenth activities. Odessa has the largest celebration in the state. (Jennifer Guerrero|Odessa American)
The Black Cultural Council of Odessa kicked off Juneteenthcelebrations Wednesday in Odessa.
Made a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when the announcement of General Order No. 3 transmitted news of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, proclaiming the end of slavery in Texas.
Other events continue through June 22 in Odessa. Odessa has the largest celebration in the state. View the list here.
