2024 Juneteenth Artist Talk

Interviewer: Desmond Bertrand-Pitts, Executive Director of the Buffalo Soldiers Museum

Interviewee: James E! Walker, Visual Artist

Leading up to the 2024 Juneteenth holiday, the iconic Midtown Houston sign at Bagby Park was wrapped in a design by local artist James E! Walker.

The artwork captures the 2024 Juneteenth Houston theme "Road to Juneteenth'' and consists of a vibrant and compelling visual narrative. It represents key moments leading up to the creation of the Juneteenth holiday, such as the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the announcement of the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas.

Midtown Houston was once part of the historic Third Ward and Fourth Ward communities. Throughout the year, we work to honor the rich legacies of these historically Black neighborhoods by sharing Houston's powerful Black history.

Learn more about James and his artwork here: www.designerraptour.com.