San Marcos community unites to celebrate Juneteenth

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

On Saturday, June 19, members of the San Marcos community gathered for a Unity Walk from the MLK LBJ Crossroads memorial to Dunbar Park to celebrate Juneteenth. 

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is often a day to celebrate black culture. The celebration originated in Galveston, Texas, and has been observed annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865.

Church groups, members of the San Marcos Police Department, representatives from the American GI Forum and a diverse group from the community came together to support unity in San Marcos. 

Police assistant Laray Taylor, was among the SMPD officers to join the unity walk in honor of Juneteenth and spoke of how important a strong relationship between police and the community is.

“In light of racial and social unrest throughout the country, I believe that law enforcement needs to be at the forefront in making effective changes and building lasting relationships between police and the community,” said Taylor.

A day of celebration followed the unity walk at the Dunbar Center, including a gospel concert, Charity BBQ Cook-off, speakers, live soul music, vendors, food trucks, and a virtual 5K Fundraiser. 

After being closed for over a year due to COVID-19, the historic Calaboose Museum re-opened on Juneteenth with an exhibit highlighting 100-years of black businesses. 

“The Calaboose Museum serves as a home for African American history and culture in San Marcos and Hays County,” the museum says on their website. “Through preservation, events, and education, the museum strives to serve as not only an African American history museum but a center of support for the San Marcos community.”