In honor of the Juneteenth federal holiday on Wednesday, June 19, let’s explore the history of this important celebration, starting with Houston legend Jack Yates. John Henry “Jack” Yates was an American freedman, minister, and community leader. He was born into slavery in Virginia and later married Harriet Willis, who was also enslaved on a neighboring farm. When Harriet’s enslaver moved his plantation to Texas to avoid emancipation, Yates, who had gained his freedom, chose to be re-enslaved so that he could stay with his family. After their emancipation in 1865, the family moved to Houston, where Yates played a key role in establishing Freedman’s Town, acquiring property, and ministering to the community. He was the first preacher at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and was involved in founding Houston Academy. In 1872, Yates, Richard Brock, Richard Allen, and Rev. David Elias Dibble founded Emancipation Park, which continues to be the oldest park in Houston and is the site of annu...