Writer and director of Juneteenth short film 'If They Took Us Back', Holly Charles-Pearson, shares the inspiration behind production.

Celebrate Juneteenth in Houston with these inspirational, fun-filled events! #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay

The tradition of Watch Night services in the United States dates back to Dec. 31, 1862, during the Civil War.

Juneteenth will be honored across the Houston-area on Saturday.

In honor of Juneteenth, here are some options for how you can observe the holiday by making monetary donations to some very historical places in the Houston area that could use your support.

In the spirit of Juneteenth, a holiday that is now celebrated throughout the entire United States, not just Texas, KPRC 2 has curated a playlist that will be perfect for any vibe. Rather you’re throwing something on the grill or sitting at home, this playlist will set the tone for the day. We hope you enjoy!

More than 150 years ago, the old courthouse in Galveston on Post Office Street is where enslaved people learned they were free. Down the street is the site of the first documented celebration of Juneteenth.

General Order Number 3 was issued by Union General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, two years after the original issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

A museum dedicated to telling the history of Juneteenth with a national scope is set to be built in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Senate has passed a bill that would make Juneteenth, or June 19th, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the enforced end of slavery in Galveston on June 19, 1865.

HOUSTON – It was known as the only park blacks were able to congregate at and is now known as the oldest park not only in Houston, but in the state of Texas. The effort in getting Emancipation Park was led by the Reverend Jack Yates, a Baptist minister and former slave. His church, Antioch Baptist, and Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church formed the Colored People’s Festival and the Emancipation Park Association. President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation and published it on January 1, 1863, but it did not reach Texas for two years. The park now host several in-person and now virtual programs which can be found by clicking here.

(AP Photo/John Locher)LOUISVILLE, Ky. The outcry has reverberated for weeks online and at demonstrations nationwide: Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor. Calls for action against the officers have gotten louder during a national reckoning over racism and police brutality following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis. That has left people, from protesters to celebrities, wondering why justice is slow to come in Taylor's case. It's definitely taking too long, it's definitely frustrating, said Kirstia Drury, 32, who joined street protests in Louisville after Taylor's death. He's executive director of advocacy group Christopher 2X Game Changers and has often served as a conduit between the Black community and Louisville officials during conflicts.

HOUSTON – Juneteenth marked 155 years since the Emancipation Proclamation reached Galveston, freeing the last enslaved people in American. RELATED: The story of Juneteenth in Houston and its significance to black communities across the USHere are a few ways Houstonians celebrated Juneteenth in the city and in Galveston. Ride for JusticeAt a Block PartyAt Emancipation ParkHappy Juneteenth from Emancipation Park. #JUNETEENTH2020 #HappyJuneteenth pic.twitter.com/WlX5XGVILG — Council Member Letitia Plummer (@CMPlummer4) June 19, 2020In ReflectionThe Houston Rockets organization will reflect, celebrate, and educate today in honor of #Juneteenth. pic.twitter.com/JTv6dJAmN8 — Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 19, 2020

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)MINNEAPOLIS A special session of the Minnesota Legislature ended Saturday without agreement on remaking policing in the state where George Floyd was killed. I'm deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans ended the special session before our job was done," Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent tweeted. Were not walking away from Minnesota here, but I think we could all benefit from a breather, Gazelka said just before adjournment, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. The special session was necessary for Democratic Gov. If Walz seeks to extend his emergency powers an additional 30 days, he's required to call another special session for July 12 to let lawmakers object.

GALVESTON, Texas – Friday will be the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth. Two and half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all people from slavery, the news finally reached Texas. Juneteenth commemorates the significant day. All around Galveston you can find historical markers that detail that important date in history. Jones said that historians know of three significant locations where the proclamation was read by Union General Gordon Granger.

Protesters march in a Black Lives Matter demonstration organized by the Dallas Black Firefighters Association on Juneteenth 2020 in Dallas, Friday, June 19, 2020. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure all enslaved people be freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Former President Abraham Lincoln first issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, and it became effective the following Jan. 1. Word didnt reach the last enslaved black people until June 19 of that year, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to Galveston, Texas. Kristi Noem proclaimed Friday as Juneteenth Day, but the proclamation does not make the day a state-recognized holiday.

According to the Texas State Historical Association, this became part of the calendar of public events by 1872 under the direction of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Jack Yates along with a few other community members, who were also former slaves, united to raise $1,000 to purchase ten acres of parkland to host Juneteenth celebrations. However, the magnitude of Juneteenth celebrations declined through the years due to economic and cultural forces. During the 1970’s late Houston Democrat Rep. Al Edwards introduced a bill calling for Juneteenth to become state holiday. Related: Juneteenth celebrations around the country mark the day enslaved Texans were finally told they are free 155 years agoToday Juneteenth celebrations spread all across the country.

Throughout Houston, there will be both virtual and in-person events, from Black-owned business markets to solidarity bike rides. Hosted by: R&R StudiosWhen: Friday, June 19; 9 p.m.Where: VirtualMore Info: The free event will take place via Facebook Live. Hosted by: Emancipation Park ConservancyWhen: Ongoing until June 19Where: VirtualMore info: The free event will take place via Facebook Live. Click here for more detailsHosted by: Houston Community CollegeWhen: Tuesday, June 16; 1 p.m.Where: VirtualMore Info: Registration required. Hosted by: Six LanesWhen: Friday, June 19; 1 p.m.Where: VirtualMore info: Event will livestream at this website.

HOUSTON Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Thursday he plans to relocate two Confederate statues from Houston parks in commemoration of Juneteenth next week. The task force had recommended that the statues be removed from public property and not be destroyed after submitting their findings. See a full list of artwork in Houston that are connected to the Confederacy, the Civil War or slavery here. (HOUSTON PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT)George H. HermannLocation: Hermann Park, Gragg ParkDedication Date: 1981, 1943George Hermann became a benefactor to the City of Houston, donating funds and property for Hermann Park, Memorial Hermann, and Hermann Square. George H Hermann statue in Hermann Park (Houston Parks & Recreation)George Hermann statue at Gragg Park (Houston Parks and Recreation)Sam HoustonLocation: Hermann ParkDedication date: 1908Sam Houston became the first president of the Republic of Texas, first Senator of Texas, and Governor.

HOUSTON Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the citys plans to relocate two Confederate statues, the Dowling and Spirit of Confederacy, in commemoration of Juneteenth. The Spirit of the Confederacy will be moved from San Houston Park in downtown Houston to the Houston Museum of African American Culture in the Museum District with grant money from the Houston Endowment. Turner hopes that the relocation of the statues will prevent vandalism and provide better historical context for the statues than public parks. The task force had recommended that the statues be removed from public property and not be destroyed after submitting their findings. See a full list of artwork in Houston that are connected to the Confederacy, the Civil War or slavery here.