The former president may be on the guest list, but it wasn’t clear which of the many events he would attend.
GALVESTON, Texas — Former President Joe Biden might be a special guest at a Juneteenth celebration on Galveston Island. It wasn’t clear which celebration Biden would attend or if he would speak at the event.
“Galveston Police Department requested our assistance with dignitaries coming in for the Juneteenth celebration, and Joe Biden’s name was mentioned,” Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen told KHOU 11 News.
Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.
In May, 82-year-old Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
This is a developing story. We’ll add more details as we learn them.
Juneteenth in Galveston
Galveston is the birthplace of Juneteenth, or June 19, commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved people learned of their freedom. The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier.
Galveston announced a list of events to commemorate Juneteenth, including a march and Emancipation Service at Reedy Chapel. Reedy Chapel AME was the site of the city’s first Juneteenth celebration. A march was set for 5 p.m. with the service starting at 6 p.m.
MORE EVENTS: Juneteenth in Galveston: Fireworks, history, music and more events to mark 160 years of freedom
Juneteenth 1865–2025: Kinfolk and Family
In KHOU 11’s fifth installment of our award-winning Juneteenth series, we explore the legacy of African American families — from their roots in African villages to reunions held under Texas oaks.
This installment is available on KHOU 11+
How to watch on KHOU 11+
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