Juneteenth Celebration

  Celebrate Juneteenth in Downtown Hallettsville on Friday, June 19., 2026, 5pm till 8pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celebrate Freedom, Art, and Community at Hallet Oak Gallery’s 11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

HALLETTSVILLE, TX — Friday, June 19, 2026 — From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Hallet Oak Gallery will host its 11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in the heart of downtown Hallettsville. This free, family-friendly event invites the public to come together in honor of Juneteenth, celebrating freedom, history, and culture through music, art, and community connection.

This year’s event is presented in partnership with Tommie Ruth Adams and Moses Adams, who are helping coordinate speakers and programming. Tommie Ruth Adams, a San Antonio-based gospel singer and founder of Project Home, will perform songs made famous by Mahalia Jackson, one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. She is also known locally for organizing Hallettsville’s first Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, Cinco de Mayo, and Juneteenth celebrations.

Black American artist Moses Adams will present a special exhibit reflecting both his artistic accomplishments and his personal connection to NASA astronaut Victor Glover. Adams created a commemorative sculpture honoring Glover at a 2023 award ceremony in Houston, bringing a unique perspective that bridges art, history, and achievement. Adams latest works will showcase a collage titled “Black Inventors Who Helped Make America Great: From the Past to the Present.” He will also exhibit his glazed ceramic African masks and several pottery pieces.

Also featured is Black American local artist Gene Grant, whose work in realism is known for its striking portraiture. His pieces reflect cultural identity and influence, with a focus on powerful depictions that resonate with the spirit of Juneteenth. On view will be his Black Excellence Portrait Series, including new works featuring Henry Johnson, who performed heroically in the first African American unit of the United States Army to engage in combat during World War I.

A new artist featured in this celebration of freedom is Kenneth Charles Jackson, who has dedicated his life to public service, serving in the U.S. Army National Guard, is the first Black African American Lieutenant with the Victoria Police Department, and retired as a Special Investigator with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. He also maintains membership in the Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Association. Throughout these years of service, art remained a meaningful outlet for reflection and self-expression. Much of Jackson’s artwork has been shared only with family and close friends, making Hallet Oak Gallery the first public exhibition of his work, and the Gallery is honored to present his artistic vision to the community.

We would also like to give a special shout-out to Satori Davis, a regular artist at this event, who is unable to attend this year. She is currently overseas in St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean, attending veterinary school. She appreciates the invitation and all of her friends who continue to think of her. She wishes the Gallery the very best for its 11th Juneteenth Celebration.

Guests can expect an evening of live music, inspiring voices, and engaging artwork, along with complimentary refreshments in a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere. This event is sponsored by the Dickson-Allen Foundation, Hallet Oak Foundation, and Walmart.

Hallet Oak Gallery is located in the historic Kahn and Stanzel Building at 115 N. Main Street in downtown Hallettsville. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from noon to 2:00 p.m. Group tours are available by request by calling 361-217-7040 or emailing venue@hallettoakgallery.com. For upcoming exhibitions and events, visit www.halletoakgallery.com.