HOUSTON, TX — In an inspiring tribute to the resilience, heritage, and triumph of African American families, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) will proudly host a special screening of KHOU 11’s groundbreaking Juneteenth documentary, Juneteenth: 1865 – 2005 | Kinfolk and Family, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the TDECU Tour Room of the Welcome Center at 201 Girard Street.

Produced by award-winning KHOU 11 News Anchors Mia Gradney and Len Cannon, the 30-minute documentary artfully weaves together historical insight and personal testimony to honor the sacred institution of family among formerly enslaved African Americans. Set against the historical backdrop of the Levi Jordan Plantation in Brazoria County—one of the most archaeologically significant plantations in Texas—the documentary journeys through time, exploring African ancestry, generational resilience, and the ongoing celebration of kinship.

🎥 A Special Event with Meaningful Engagement

Both Gradney and Cannon will be in attendance to introduce the documentary and engage in a post-screening Q&A session with attendees. This intimate discussion will allow the audience to reflect deeply on the stories shared and ask questions about the filmmaking process, the legacy of Juneteenth, and the importance of family ties in African American history.

Admission is free and open to the public, and attendees will enjoy complimentary refreshments while immersing themselves in this moving cinematic experience.

🖤 Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

UHD’s annual Juneteenth screening tradition is more than an event—it’s an opportunity for Houstonians to connect with their roots, reflect on America’s complex history, and recognize the unbreakable bonds of family that persisted through the brutal legacy of slavery.

The documentary sheds light on how enslaved African Americans fought to maintain their familial bonds, even as they faced displacement, violence, and systemic oppression. Through deeply personal interviews with descendants of those enslaved at the Levi Jordan Plantation, the film serves as a rallying call for viewers to research their own family histories and celebrate the endurance of culture and community.

🇺🇸 Understanding Juneteenth’s Enduring Legacy

Now a federal holiday with deep Texas roots, Juneteenth commemorates the moment on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation—more than two years after it was originally signed in 1863. This pivotal date marks the true beginning of freedom for many enslaved people in the South and remains one of the most significant milestones in American civil rights history.

By hosting this screening a day before the national observance, UHD underscores its commitment to education, cultural celebration, and social justice.

Join the University of Houston-Downtown in honoring Juneteenth with purpose, history, and heartfelt storytelling.

📍 Event Details:
🗓️ Wednesday, June 18, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM
📌 TDECU Tour Room, UHD Welcome Center
🎟️ Free Admission | 🥤 Light Refreshments Provided
🔗 Learn more at: uhd.edu

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