Former President Joe Biden might make a special appearance at a Juneteenth celebration on Galveston Island. The details about which specific celebration he will attend or whether he will speak at the event remain unclear.
Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen shared with KHOU 11 News that the Galveston Police Department had requested assistance with dignitaries attending the Juneteenth events, and Biden’s name was mentioned in the context of the celebration.
Biden’s Role in Juneteenth Recognition
In 2021, President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday, acknowledging the importance of the day in American history. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned that they had been freed—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
Biden’s Health Update
In May, President Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer at the age of 82. It remains to be seen whether this diagnosis will affect his participation in the upcoming Juneteenth events.
Galveston: The Birthplace of Juneteenth
Galveston is significant as the birthplace of Juneteenth, the historic day that commemorates freedom for enslaved people in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to inform enslaved people that they were free, marking the official end of slavery in the region.
This year, Galveston has announced several events to mark Juneteenth, including a march at 5 p.m. followed by an Emancipation Service at 6 p.m. at Reedy Chapel AME Church. Reedy Chapel is historically significant as it hosted the city’s first Juneteenth celebration.
Juneteenth 1865-2025: Kinfolk and Family
As part of its ongoing Juneteenth series, KHOU 11’s fifth installment titled Juneteenth 1865–2025: Kinfolk and Family delves into the history and legacy of African American families, from their ancestral roots in African villages to the modern-day reunions held under Texas oaks.
This special episode is available for streaming on KHOU 11+.
How to Watch on KHOU 11+
To watch KHOU 11+ content, including the Juneteenth series, viewers can download the KHOU 11+ app for free on their TV. Simply search “KHOU 11” in the app store on your streaming device, download the app at no cost, and start watching.
The Juneteenth celebration in Galveston holds deep historical and cultural significance, and the potential visit from Former President Joe Biden adds even more weight to this year’s events. As this story develops, more details will be shared about the events and Biden’s participation.