Katy’s Juneteenth Parade and Festival Returns to Celebrate Legacy, Community, and a Hidden History
As the Katy community prepares for the third annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival, local organizers are honoring more than a national holiday—they’re uplifting the story of a historic community whose roots helped shape the city’s foundation.
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Katy Texas African American Heritage Society will host its now-annual celebration, beginning with a morning parade at 10:00 AM and culminating in a festival from 12:00 to 3:00 PM at Woodsland Park, 443 Danover Road. This year marks the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth—commemorating the day Union troops arrived in Galveston in 1865 to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and liberate over 250,000 enslaved people still held in Texas.
But for the organizers behind Katy’s Juneteenth celebration, the day is also about educating residents on a lesser-known chapter of local history: the story of the Danover community.
A Community Rooted in Freedom
Just months after emancipation, freedman Milton McGinnis purchased 200 acres in what was then Cane Island—now modern-day Katy. His family and other formerly enslaved individuals settled the area, creating what would become a vibrant African American neighborhood. Known today as Danover, the community thrived for generations with homes, churches, schools, and Black-owned businesses.
As Katy expanded with railroads and highways, Danover found itself increasingly encircled by development. A rezoning push in the 1980s shifted the area toward commercial use, prompting many residents to sell. Today, around 60 homes remain—fewer than ever, but filled with stories that stretch back 160 years.
The Katy Texas African American Heritage Society was born from efforts to preserve those stories. Founded in 2022 by Brenda Washington and Tanya Debose, both descendants of early settlers, the organization made history in 2023 by launching Katy’s first Juneteenth celebration. Their mission: safeguard the legacy of Danover while promoting awareness of Katy’s African American heritage.
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Honoring a Legacy Through Celebration
From its inception, the Juneteenth Parade and Festival has served as more than just a community gathering—it’s an act of remembrance, cultural pride, and education.
Although rescheduled due to inclement weather, last year’s event drew hundreds, including elected officials and representatives from local fraternities and sororities. It also featured a student-curated museum exhibit that highlighted Black history in Katy, including the very grounds where the festival took place.
For 2025, the celebration continues to grow. The parade will again start at the First Baptist Church at 600 Pin Oak Road, led by Carmen Turner, Fort Bend County Tax Assessor Collector as Grand Marshal and featuring vibrant performances by community groups, youth organizations, and civic leaders. At Woodsland Park, families can enjoy food trucks, live music by Jabeaux Jr. & The Zydeco Enforcers, art, bounce house, a foam party and games in the Kids Zone, along with complimentary snow cones and free meals for children thanks to advance planning and local sponsorships. Local nonprofits and businesses will be on scene to share information about their services.
A Vision for the Future
Even as the event celebrates the past, the Heritage Society remains focused on the future. This year, the organization is introducing a new membership fee to fund initiatives aimed at preserving Danover homes and supporting local residents in need of repairs. Plans are also underway to establish educational scholarships that will help students explore and document the African American experience in Katy.
While the passing of both co-founders—Washington in October 2024 and Debose shortly thereafter—was a heartbreaking loss, the Society remains committed to carrying their vision forward.
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Their continued efforts highlight how Juneteenth in Katy is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a living, breathing testament to the perseverance of a community that refused to be forgotten.
For updates on the Katy, Texas Juneteenth Parade & Festival or to get involved, residents can contact the organizers at katyblackheritage@gmail.com.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
