Photo credit: Juneteenth Midland

What to watch: Midland residents will have multiple opportunities to celebrate Juneteenth in Midland during the upcoming weeklong celebration. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

The big picture: Event highlights include:

  • Mr. & Miss Juneteenth scholarship pageant: This year’s contestants include Dereon Mitchell, Arrington Morris, A’Khya Royal, J’Mhylia Royal, Weldon Cooks, Jordan McGowan, Terrence Parker, and Ben Smith. Admission is free.
    • Date and time: Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m.
    • Location: Bush Convention Center, 105 N. Main St.
  • Mardi Gras-themed masquerade ball: Semi-formal attire is suggested. Admission is $40 in advance or $50 at the door.
    • Date and time: Friday, June 19, 7:30-12 p.m.
    • Location: Bush Convention Center, 105 N. Main St.
  • Juneteenth Parade: $10 per vehicle entered
    • Date and time: Saturday, June 20, at 10 a.m.
    • Location: Participants line up 8-9:30 a.m. at the Coleman Family Clinic parking lot, 801 E. Florida Ave.
  • Gospel Celebration
    • Date and time: Sunday, June 21, 7:15 p.m.
    • Location: Washington Park, 1803 E. Indiana Ave.

What’s next: Additional information, events, and announcements can be found through the Juneteenth Midland page.

Midland’s top stories. One quick email. Free, every Friday.
Get Midland Wrapped, our free weekly email for busy Midland residents. Each Friday, we break down the week’s most important local stories — what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next — so you can stay informed without the noise.