Absolute Equality Mural & Juneteenth Marker

Absolute Equality Mural & Juneteenth Historical Marker

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, marks the oldest known commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1862 and took effect in 1863, many enslaved people in Texas remained unaware of their freedom until June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 in Galveston, officially declaring all slaves in Texas free. This moment initiated the Reconstruction era in Texas and sparked the annual celebration of Juneteenth.
Over time, Juneteenth has grown in significance nationwide, culminating in its designation as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021—an effort strongly supported by activist Opal Lee and the Juneteenth Legacy Project (JLP). To commemorate this milestone, the JLP unveiled the Absolute Equality mural near the site of Granger's announcement. This 5,000-square-foot public art piece aims to reflect on the role of monuments in American history and promote the idea that "absolute equality" means supporting everyone to reach their full potential for the benefit of society. The project also includes an augmented reality experience developed by Solel International to enhance historical storytelling.