On June 19, 1865, the abolishment of slavery in Texas was announced in Galveston, Texas. On June 16, 2018, the Living Room at Johnson Neighborhood Library celebrated the history of Juneteenth, located in Sunnyside, one of Houston's most historic African American communities.

Our Living Room brought together the Sunnyside Community for a cultural event that was educational and captured the history of African Americans.

To top off the event, patrons had a chance to participate in crafts, and traditional African American dancing.

The Juneteenth at Johnson would not have been a success without the help of our partners:

• Koumanke'le African Dance & Drum Ensemble provided traditional African dancing.
• Harold Allen from the Buffalo Soldier Museum spoke about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers.
• Mrs. Gibson provided a history lesson on quilting during slavery and conducted a quilting class for patrons.
• Sheena Wilson from the African American Library at the Gregory School led a discussion titled "African American History of Houston."
• Franklin Smith from the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research spoke about the genealogy and the resources it offers.
• Bud's House of Meats graciously donated food for the event.

Even though this Living Room took place two years ago, patrons continue to mention this event and speak of the love they have for HPL and our diversity to all cultures. We can’t wait to host another Living Room with the community!