Hailey
On June 19, 2025, the Wichita Falls community joined others across the nation to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth, the day that marked the official end of slavery in the United States.
Residents gathered at Jalonick Park to reflect on the legacy of freedom, unity, and progress—values at the heart of this significant occasion.
While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, enslaved African Americans in Texas remained unaware and unlawfully in bondage for over two years.
It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, that the message was delivered—and more than 250,000 enslaved people were finally freed.
A Day of Celebration and Purpose
This year’s Juneteenth celebration in Wichita Falls was partly organized by Tamika Thrasher-Bradley, a Spirit of Excellence member and minister at St. Matthews Church.
For her, Juneteenth is not just a day of celebration—it’s a day of purpose and accountability, a time to reflect on the past while building a better future.
“It’s about focusing on our calling, our purpose, and who we are—and being proud of who we are,” said Thrasher-Bradley. “It’s more than a celebration. It’s a call to action to do better, to keep pushing forward, and to honor the legacy of our ancestors.”
She emphasized that African American history is not defined solely by pain, but by power. “Our story did not start with pain. We came from power. We are kings and queens, and we should act as such,” she declared.
Community Uplift Through Kindness and Service
Thrasher-Bradley used the occasion to encourage attendees to see Juneteenth as a responsibility to uplift others—especially the most vulnerable members of the community.
Her message centered around compassion, generosity, and service, echoing the values of faith and fellowship.
“Start with those who are homeless. Help them. Feed them if they’re hungry. Be the hands and feet of Jesus,” she said. “If you’re in the store and see someone short on change—and you’ve got it—give it. Be kind.”
Her call for action reminded attendees that the spirit of Juneteenth includes looking out for one another, promoting peace, unity, and a collective sense of belonging.
Educating the Next Generation
One of the most important aspects of the Juneteenth event, according to Thrasher-Bradley, was educating youth about their roots and instilling pride in their heritage.
She stressed that understanding history empowers the next generation to dream bigger, achieve more, and break barriers.
“We need to make sure they know where they come from, and that they can be anything they want to be,” she said.
This message resonated with many in attendance, who believe that celebrating Juneteenth is not only about honoring those who came before—but also about investing in the future leaders of the Black community.
The 2025 Juneteenth celebration in Wichita Falls was more than a commemorative event—it was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we must go.
Through heartfelt speeches, cultural pride, and a spirit of unity, the community celebrated freedom not just as a historical event, but as a living responsibility.
From uplifting the homeless to educating the youth, local leaders like Tamika Thrasher-Bradley are reminding residents that freedom comes with purpose, and that true liberation means building a better, more compassionate world for everyone.