Galveston Island's African American History

The story of Galveston Island is deeply intertwined with the experiences, contributions, and resilience of its African American community. Across the island, you’ll find powerful reminders of that legacy—in historic buildings, public art, parks, churches, and the very streets where history was made.

Pictured: "The Legislator" statue honors the legislation that made Juneteenth an official state holiday at Ashton Villa.

Exploring Galveston’s African American Heritage

To truly understand Galveston’s cultural landscape, visitors are encouraged to explore the many sites that honor the legacy and contributions of African American Galvestonians. These landmarks offer opportunities for reflection, education, and connection—and they belong on every traveler’s itinerary.

Juneteenth and Galveston

Galveston Island holds a profound place in American history as the birthplace of Juneteenth—now a federally recognized holiday. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that the last enslaved African Americans in the South were officially freed.

On that day, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order No. 3, announcing the end of slavery in Texas. The moment marked a turning point—not only for the state but for the nation—and became a powerful symbol of freedom and resilience.

Today, Juneteenth is celebrated across the country, but its roots remain here on Galveston Island, where the legacy is honored year-round through monuments, exhibits, and community events that ensure the story continues to be told.

The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.
Union General Gordon Granger

Education, Faith, and Community Leadership

After emancipation, Galveston became a center of progress and empowerment for African American residents. In 1885, the city established Central School—later renamed Central High School—the first public school for African Americans in Texas. Originally housed in a modest wooden structure, the school gained a permanent building in 1893. In 1904, it became home to the first African American public library in the state.

Both the school and library served the community until 1968, when desegregation integrated local schools. Today, the legacy of Central lives on through the Old Central Cultural Center at 2627 Avenue M, where part of the original annex has been preserved and transformed into a museum and community space.

Galveston was also home to many of the first African American churches in Texas across multiple denominations. These churches served not only as places of worship but as cornerstones of leadership, education, and organizing within the community—foundations that continue to shape the island’s cultural landscape today.


African American Churches
Reedy Chapel African Methodist Church

This was the first African American Methodist church in Texas. It was also a key location in early Juneteenth celebrations, in which freed slaves marched from the county courthouse to the church. This march from the courthouse to the church has become an annual Juneteenth tradition on the island.

African American Churches
Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church

This was the first African American Baptist church in Texas. It began as the “Colored Baptist Church” in 1840, established as the slave congregation of the First Missionary Baptist Church.

African American Churches
Holy Rosary Catholic Church

This was the first African American Catholic school and church in Texas. The school closed in 1979, after 81 years of service, but the church is still active today.

African American Churches
Saint Augustine Episcopal Church

This was the first African American Episcopal church in Texas.

Other historic African American churches:

  • Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church
  • Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church
  • Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
  • Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church
  • Trinity Missionary Baptist Church
  • West Point Missionary Baptist Church
  • First Union Missionary Baptist Church
  • Saint Paul United Methodist

Historic Landmarks & Parks

Across Galveston, powerful landmarks and parks preserve the stories, struggles, and achievements of African American residents and leaders. These sites are more than memorials—they’re living chapters in the island’s ongoing story of freedom and resilience.

Middle Passage Marker
Galveston Historic Seaport, 2200 Harborside Drive
This solemn marker honors the Africans brought to Galveston during the transatlantic slave trade and those who perished during the Middle Passage. Galveston was one of only 48 U.S. ports of entry for enslaved Africans.

Juneteenth Marker
Osterman Building Site 2201 Strand Street
This was the site of Union Army headquarters in 1865, where General Order No. 3 was issued—officially freeing enslaved people in Texas and sparking what we now know as Juneteenth.

Juneteenth Monument
Ashton Villa 2328 Broadway Avenue J
This striking 9-foot bronze sculpture, known as “The Legislator,” commemorates the late Representative Al Edwards, who led the charge to make Juneteenth a state holiday in Texas.

Jack Johnson Park
1313 26th Street
A tribute to Galveston native and legendary boxer Jack Johnson, the first African American World Heavyweight Champion (1908–1915), who challenged racial barriers inside and outside the ring.

Norris Wright Cuney Park
718 41st Street
This park honors Norris Wright Cuney, an influential political leader and labor organizer who helped establish schools and expanded opportunities for African Americans across Texas.

Site of Cotton Jammers’ Park
3726 Avenue S
Once a hub of Galveston’s bustling cotton trade, this site honors the laborers—many of them African American—who packed cotton bales into ship holds, a demanding process known as “cotton jamming.”

African American Beachfront
28th & 29th Street at Seawall Boulevard
During segregation, this stretch of beach was home to African American-owned businesses and gathering spaces. Though confined by discriminatory policies, the area became a vibrant, self-sustaining community that drew visitors from across the country.

Notable African American Galvestonians

Galveston has produced trailblazing figures whose impact has reached far beyond the island—from civil rights and politics to sports and entertainment.

  • Norris Wright Cuney
    Born into slavery, Cuney rose to become one of the most influential Black leaders in 19th-century Texas. He was a businessman, politician, labor organizer, and education advocate who laid the groundwork for generations to come.
  • Jack Johnson
    Known as the “Galveston Giant,” Johnson broke boxing’s color barrier and held the World Heavyweight Champion title from 1908 to 1915. Bold and unapologetic, he challenged racial norms at every turn—and changed the sport forever.
  • Barry White
    Born in Galveston in 1944, Barry White became a global music icon known for his rich baritone voice and romantic soul anthems. Over his career, he sold more than 100 million records and left an indelible mark on American music.