June is a powerful time for reflection and celebration. Juneteenth, combining “June” and “nineteenth,” marks June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to proclaim freedom for the last enslaved people in Confederate territory, fulfilling the promise of Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. Although Texans began celebrating as early as 1866, Juneteenth didn’t become a federally recognized holiday until June 17, 2021, when former President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Juneteenth is significant to African American history and American freedom. Join us as we spotlight local celebrations, highlight black-owned businesses, and explore ways to engage meaningfully and respectfully during this year’s Juneteenth holiday.

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in Bossier City 

If you are looking for ways to celebrate Juneteenth this June and year-round, you can start by supporting local black owned businesses. Marcie Metoyer is the “kid-preneur” and owner of Star Creations, a company creating handmade bracelets, keychains, earrings, and necklaces. This Juneteenth, Star Creations is recognizing the holiday with its merchandise.

“My business contributes to creativity for Juneteenth. I have a variety of jewelry that represents black culture and Juneteenth,” said Metoyer.

Star Creations is showcasing black culture in the community with various pop-up shops highlighting its merchandise. Although Metoyer is a young business owner, she has a powerful message for her customers and community.

“Celebrate our heritage and understand that everyone deserves freedom in all aspects of life, to be creative, to make a difference, and to make a positive impact.” 

“Juneteenth is important to me because on June 19, 1865, slaves in Texas were notified that they were free, and everyone deserves to experience freedom. This resonates with me because I have the freedom to run my own business despite my skin color. As Juneteenth continues to be a celebration of unity, history, culture, and reflection, we still understand that there is still work to be done,” said Metoyer. 

Another local black owned business to support is AWthentic Custom Designs, owned and operated by Alexciya White.

Alexciyaa White is also a team member of D&A Home Team with Keller Williams. AWthentic Custom Designs is an arts and crafts business that can provide you with custom apparel. As a black business owner, White feels that Juneteenth is more than just a date on a calendar.

“Juneteenth is a reflection of my history, my identity, and my hope for the future. It means honoring the strength, resilience, and courage of my ancestors who endured so much, yet paved the way for generations to come. It means recognizing that while freedom was declared, true justice and equality are still being fought for today,” she said.

Awthentic Custom Design recognizes  Juneteenth by offering custom shirt designs, graphic designs, and prints that honor Juneteenth. For White and her family, Juneteenth is a meaningful holiday.

“We celebrate by gathering together, decorating the house, grilling, and wearing matching t-shirts. But most importantly, we use this time to teach our children about their history, the stories and struggles that many school curricula leave out. It’s a day where we honor our ancestors, celebrate our culture, and pass down knowledge to the next generation, while supporting our community and embracing the richness of Black culture,” said White.

Juneteenth Community Events in Bossier City 

Stonewall Baptist Church, located at 807 Eatman Street, and the Bossier NAACP Branch are set to host a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM. This community event is a celebration of freedom, history, culture, and resilience. The celebration will commence with food, games, and entertainment. Those attending the event are encouraged to bring tents, folding chairs, and umbrellas. If you are looking for a way to show up and show your support for the black community and Juneteenth, then this is a celebration you do not want to miss. 

How to Celebrate Respectfully and Meaningfully

• Learn the history: Take the time to understand the history of Juneteenth and the delayed emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865. Use age-appropriate books and videos to have conversations with your children and family to teach them about freedom, justice, and equality.
• Support Black Businesses: Shop at black owned stores, support a black owned business, dine at a black owned restaurant, and hire black creatives. 
• Attend Local Juneteenth Events: Show up and be present, and participate in local festivals and cultural events. Listen, observe, and celebrate. 
• Uplift Black Voices: Share content created by black educators, authors, artists, musicians, and activists. 
• Reflect & Take Action: Volunteer, donate to civil rights causes, or commit to being a long-term ally.

Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it’s a call to remember, to learn, and to keep pressing forward towards justice and unity for all. As Bossier City continues to grow, may we carry the spirit of Juneteenth forward, not just during June but year-round. Honoring the past, uplifting the present, and building a more inclusive future.