Former President Biden Attends Juneteenth Service Galveston

Former President Joe Biden is set to attend the 160th anniversary Juneteenth celebrations at Galveston's historic Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, a site known as the 'Mother Church of Texas' and pivotal in the original announcement of emancipation in 1865. Biden, who signed Juneteenth into federal law in 2021, will participate in events including an emancipation march and service, underscoring the significance of the holiday that marks the end of slavery. Despite his recent diagnosis with aggressive prostate cancer, Biden's presence is seen as a powerful symbol of resilience and dedication, drawing large crowds and heightened security preparations by local authorities. Reedy Chapel, the first and oldest AME congregation in Texas, annually hosts commemorations that include readings of the emancipation proclamation, ringing of bells, and singing of freedom songs, preserving the legacy of freedom and heritage. The church has also received historic preservation support due to its storied past, including surviving a major fire and the Great Storm of 1900. Biden's visit highlights the continuing importance of Juneteenth as a moment of reflection and celebration for the nation and the local community.