On this podcast the history of Juneteenth is explained by historians, published authors, genealogist, tour guides and other professionals. All interviews are hosted by Cornelia Harris Banks, the first African American female city council member and a native of Galveston Island.
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 11 BRANDON LEVIAS mp3
In this engaging episode of "Juneteenth in Galveston, Where it All Began," host Cornelia Harris Banks introduces Brandon Levias, an active community member and event planner. Brandon shares his journey from growing up in Orange, Texas to his significant involvement in organizing Juneteenth festivities in Galveston through his business, Luminosity Event Services, and other community efforts. He goes into detail about his role in orchestrating various activities, from Family Fun Days to the Emancipation March, highlighting the historical and cultural importance of these events. Furthermore, Brandon speaks about his lineage, including notable relatives such as the famous boxer Jack Johnson, and emphasizes the deep historical connections of his family to the region. This episode also covers the involvement of prominent figures like Attorney Benjamin Crump and the collective efforts of the Galveston United Juneteenth Alliance. The episode concludes with an emotional reflection on the significance of Juneteenth to not only the local community but also to the broader narrative of American history and civil rights.
18 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 10 RONALD DEAN
This episode of "Juneteenth in Galveston, Where It All Began" features an in-depth conversation with Ronald Dean, the Vice President of the Galveston Island African American Treasures. Ronald shares his personal journey, including his upbringing in Galveston, his education, his service in the Marine Corps during Vietnam, and his return to Galveston. He speaks about the creation of their group, which aims to document and preserve the African American heritage in Galveston and Texas. The episode also explores the group's origins, their early experiences at the Holy Rosary Catholic School, and their future projects, including compiling a photographic portfolio of the school's attendees and other historical information. Ronald emphasizes the rich history of Galveston and its significance, inviting listeners to explore and contribute to the preservation efforts.
14 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP #9 DAVID MITCHELL
The episode "JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP #9 DAVID MITCHELL" features an interview with David Mitchell, a native of Galveston, Texas, also known as "B O I" or "Born on the Island." David discusses his role with the PARD (Galveston Park Board), specifically focusing on the African American Beach Lifeguard Steering Committee. He highlights the historical and cultural significance of African American lifeguards in Galveston during the 20th century and their contributions during segregation. The conversation also includes the efforts to fundraise for a statue to be placed at 28th and Seawall, celebrating these lifeguards' legacy. Additionally, the episode covers the broad responsibilities of the Galveston Island Beach Patrol, the importance of water safety, educational outreach, and the role of volunteer programs like Wave Watchers in ensuring beach safety. The interview emphasizes the need for community awareness and celebrates Galveston's diverse history and ongoing efforts to honor its past while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of its beaches for all visitors.
14 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 6 JAMES CLARK
In this episode, the host interviews James Clark, the chairperson of the Galveston chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association. They discuss the role of local restaurants and community organizations in celebrating Juneteenth, especially in Galveston Island, Texas, where the holiday originated. James talks about his collaboration with Alex Thomas from Visit Galveston to increase awareness and celebrations for Juneteenth on the island. He emphasizes the importance of local businesses, particularly small family-run restaurants, in contributing to the festivities. The episode also highlights Galveston's diverse culinary offerings and its suitability as a destination for family reunions and cultural experiences. The conversation encourages listeners to visit Galveston and partake in its rich traditions and vibrant food scene, celebrating Juneteenth not just on the day itself, but throughout the year.
14 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 8 DANNY ALLEN mp3
In this episode, the host introduces Danny Allen, a notable Galveston citizen and former city council member. Danny discusses his experiences growing up in Galveston and the prominent role Juneteenth has played in the community. He shares details about his father's contributions as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, highlighting the significance of various African American-owned businesses in Galveston's history. Danny emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery, and reflects on the changes and challenges faced by the African American community over the years. Furthermore, he underscores the need for continued community involvement and education about African American history to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate this pivotal part of American history. The conversation also touches on the economic impacts of segregation and integration, the loss of black-owned businesses, and the resilience of Galveston's residents.
14 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 7 CAITLIN CARNES
In this episode, we explore the rich history and exciting festivities of Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas. Our special guest, Caitlin Carnes from the Galveston Park Board, provides an extensive overview of the various events and activities happening in Galveston, both for Juneteenth and beyond. Caitlin discusses the historical significance of Galveston as the birthplace of Juneteenth and highlights numerous local festivals, such as Mardi Gras, Dickens on the Strand, and various food and wine events. She also details the role of the Galveston Park Board in promoting tourism and maintaining the island’s natural assets, including their efforts in beach nourishment and cleanup. Listeners will gain insights into the Park Board's funding mechanisms and their initiatives to enhance local culture and heritage tourism. Caitlin elaborates on specific Juneteenth events, including the Emancipation Celebration Gospel Concert at the Grand Opera House, the Juneteenth Gala, the Comedy Fest, and the Freedom Walks. She emphasizes the importance of these celebrations in honoring the struggle for equality and keeping the history of Juneteenth alive. By the end of the episode, Caitlin and the host encourage listeners to visit Galveston and experience its vibrant history and celebrations firsthand, especially during the Juneteenth festivities.
14 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 5 SANDRA WOODARD
In this episode of our podcast series on Juneteenth, we speak with Sandra Woodard from Galveston, Texas. Sandra shares insights about her background, including her education and long-standing involvement in community activities and organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The main focus is on the Juneteenth Sneaker Ball, an annual celebration organized by local fraternities andsororities. Sandra discusses the significance of the event, designed to honor the spirit of Juneteenth with a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere that welcomes people from all over. The episode also touches on the historical and cultural significance of Galveston, highlighting its unique history and the importance of preserving it. Sandra invites listeners to participate and support the event, which doubles as a fundraiser for scholarships and cultural initiatives in the community.
14 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 4 SHARON LEWIS
In this episode, the host welcomes Councilwoman Sharon Lewis of Galveston’s District 1 to discuss the rich history and vibrant celebrations of Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas. Councilwoman Lewis shares insights about her background in education, her role in city council, and her efforts toward making Juneteenth a prominent and nationally recognized event. The episode highlights various Juneteenth activities and events in Galveston, including the scholarship gala, the Juneteenth Banquet, the historical reenactments, and the development of the Galveston United Juneteenth Alliance (GUJA) website. Councilwoman Lewis also discusses the development of a Juneteenth museum and the increased tourism and economic impact brought by these festivities. Listeners learn about other engaging activities in Galveston such as home tours, the Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, and fishing excursions, making the island a year-round tourist destination. The episode wraps up with an invitation for everyone to visit Galveston and experience Juneteenth celebrations first-hand, where it all began.
14 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 3 CHERYL SUE JOHNSON
In this episode, we hear from Mrs. Sue Johnson, the founder and executive director of the Neocultural Center in Galveston, Texas. She discusses her background and efforts to preserve the history and culture of Galveston, particularly through activities related to Juneteenth. The conversation highlights the annual Emancipation Gospel Celebration and its featured entertainers, including Galveston greats and Fred Hammond. Mrs. Johnson provides insights into the significance of gospel music in Galveston's history and how it was used by enslaved people for communication during the Underground Railroad era. She also speaks about the meaningful awards given to individuals who contributed to civil and human rights, some of which are awarded posthumously. The episode delves into the creation and impact of the Absolute Equality Mural, commemorating Juneteenth and African American history. Furthermore, it touches on various educational and cultural programs run by the Neocultural Center, such as the Youth of Nia Award, the Girls Rights of Passage program, and the Children's Defense Fund Freedom School. Mrs. Johnson also mentions upcoming events, like lectures and exhibitions, associated with Juneteenth, and emphasizes the broader community's support in making these events possible. The dialogue closes with an encouragement for people to visit Galveston to experience its rich history and vibrant celebrations firsthand.
14 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 2 ALICE GATSON
In this episode, Cornelia Harris Banks interviews Alice Gatson, a retired biologist from the University of Texas Medical Branch and a dedicated member of the Galveston Historical Foundation. Alice discusses her work with the African American Heritage Committee, highlighting their efforts in researching and educating the public about Galveston's African American history. They delve into projects such as the restoration of Rosewood Cemetery and the creation of educational books. The conversation touches on the history of prominent African Americans in Galveston, including Norris Wright Cuny, and the importance of Juneteenth celebrations. Alice also shares insights into the Underground Railroad's southern routes and some captivating stories from their latest book, "Galveston's Juneteenth Story." The episode underscores the rich and often untold history of African Americans in Galveston and the ongoing efforts to preserve and share these stories.
14 Jun 2024
JUNETEENTH IN GALVESTON, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. S2 EP # 1 NOLEN DAVIS
In the first episode of Season 2 of "Juneteenth in Galveston, Where It All Began," host Nolan Davis introduces the viewers to the setting and significance of the series. This special episode features an in-depth conversation with Cornelia Harris Banks, a pivotal figure in preserving Galveston's African American heritage and a trailblazer as the first African American female council member of Galveston. Cornelia shares insights about her nonprofit organization, Galveston Island African American Treasures, which was founded to preserve and highlight the rich history of African Americans on the island. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to shape the future.
15 Jun 2023
Juneteenth In Galveston, Where It All Began. Episode 6 with Sharon Gillins
Juneteenth In Galveston is where it all began. Sharon Gillins, the genealogist, shares with us the history behind the first African Methodist Episcopal Church, Reedy Chapel. This church is still standing today and had a huge impact on African Americans on Galveston island during the emancipation era. She also shares the other first churches and denominations that Galveston has that are still standing. This genealogist reveals such a deep history about Galveston that it has sparked an interest in coming to Galveston to research family lineage. This is episode 6 in an 6 episode series.
15 Jun 2023
Juneteenth in Galveston, Where It All Began Episode 5 with David Dumas
Juneteenth In Galveston is where it all began. David Dumas explains growing up on Galveston island from a unique perspective. He reveals the Catholic school system that he was a part of and the priest and nuns who taught at the schools. This history lesson includes locations, historic buildings in Galveston and the feeling that African American's had during different eras on the island. This is episode 5 in an 6 episode series.
15 Jun 2023
Juneteenth In Galveston, Where It All Began Episode 4 with Dr Araminta Coleman Sorrell
Juneteenth In Galveston is where it all began. Dr. Araminta Coleman Sorrell , the African American tour guide on the island of Galveston, explains the historic sights you will see on her tour of Galveston. Her business, Juneteenth and Beyond shows important sites, locations and tells the story of African American's in Galveston during this very historic time This is episode 4 in an 6 episode series.
15 Jun 2023
Juneteenth In Galveston, Where It All Began. Episode 3 with Tommie Boudreaux
Juneteenth In Galveston is where it all began. Tommie Boudreaux, a two time best selling author that was born and raise on the island of Galveston shares with us her research of the famous and influential people that came out of Galveston in her first book she co-authored, African Americans of Galveston. She also shares with us her second book she co-authored called "Lost Restaurants of Galveston's African American Community". She explains how this was an import part of the culture and the impact that food had and still has on Juneteenth's celebration. This is episode 3 in an 6 episode series.
15 Jun 2023
Juneteenth In Galveston, Where It All Began. Episode 2 Part 2 with Fay H Williams
Juneteenth In Galveston is where it all began. Fay H. Williams explains the feeling of Juneteenth as she witnessed a Juneteenth celebration back in the 1930's. This is episode 2 part 2 of an 6 episode series.
15 Jun 2023
Juneteenth In Galveston, Where It All Began. Episode 1 Part 1 with Fay H Williams
Juneteenth In Galveston is where it all began. Fay H. Williams explains the feeling of Juneteenth as she witnessed a Juneteenth celebration back in the 1930's. This is episode 1 part 1 of an 6 episode series.
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