Joe Biden Keeps the Spirit of Freedom Alive at Galveston's Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth celebration held at Reedy Chapel, Galveston; President Joe Biden in attendance
Former President Joe Biden donned a vibrant smile, ready to partake in the joyous Galveston Juneteenth festivities held at the historic Reedy Chapel AME Church on June 19, 2025. This significant date marked the 160th anniversary of the day enslaved people in Galveston learned of their long-awaited liberation.
Reedy Chapel, renowned as the "Mother Church of Texas" and the very first and oldest African Methodist Episcopal church operating in the state, bears immense historical significance. Over the years, this sanctuary has been a beacon for gatherings of the enslaved[1],[2] and where Galveston's emancipation proclamation was first announced[2].
Gathered around this hallowed place, the community celebrated with a full day of events. Biden's visit included attending the Emancipation Service, which kicked off at 6:15 p.m., following a family-friendly celebration during the day and an Emancipation March that started at the Galveston County Courthouse and made its way to Reedy Chapel at 6 p.m.[1],[3]
As the spirit-filled sounds of the service rose inside Reedy Chapel, Biden took the opportunity to address the congregation. His words resonated with poignancy, symbolizing not only a momentous step in Black history but also a critical milestone in American history itself. Biden highlighted the significance of Juneteenth, reflecting on the combination of a somber past—the long struggle against slavery—and optimism for a brighter, more equitable future.[1],[2]
"Friends, today we gather not only to commemorate the past, but to embrace the hope of a future yet to come," Biden said. "Juneteenth represents the long hard night of slavery and subjugation, but also the promise of the joyful morning to come."[2]
Biden emphasized the importance of the day, noting, "Folks, I don't only come here to celebrate the past, I come here because we know the good Lord is not done with us yet. We got work to do."[2]
His Juneteenth visit carries notable weight, mirroring his commitment to the holiday. Back in 2021, while President, Biden signed legislation, making Juneteenth a federal holiday in honor of the end of slavery in the United States.[1],[2]
All in all, Biden's presence at the Juneteenth celebration in Reedy Chapel AME Church encompassed:
- Attending the historic Emancipation Service, an essential part of the festivities.
- Speaking about the significance of Juneteenth, representing a pivotal moment in both American and African American history.
- Emphasizing the ongoing journey towards equality and justice.
- Participating in a celebration deeply rooted in the rich history and legacy of the emancipation anniversary first proclaimed within Reedy Chapel's walls.[1],[2],[3]
Throughout the day, the community embraced one another, celebrating freedom, unity, and the unending pursuit of justice. [1],[3]
- In his visit to the Reedy Chapel AME Church, former President Joe Biden not only celebrated the historical significance of Juneteenth but also acknowledged the ongoing need for equality and justice in American politics and business.
- As the "Mother Church of Texas," the Reedy Chapel, where Galveston's emancipation proclamation was first announced, provided a fitting venue for discussing the health and well-being of the African American community, a topic of general-interest news that remains relevant in contemporary Texas society.
