Who We Are
Mission
The San Antonio Juneteenth Commission was created in 1996 to honor and celebrate the emancipation of black people in Texas and to provide a national platform of recognition for all black people in America. Our commitment is to support, uplift and empower San Antonio based community organizations, non-profits and individuals that believe that all people are created equal and deserve an opportunity to achieve the American dream.
About our Founder and CEO
In 1998, Byron Miller was appointed to the Texas Juneteenth Commission. Through his involvement with the commission, he learned more about the 1863 emancipation of enslaved Texans. During Byron’s tenure on the Commission, they advocated and secured approval for the African American Statue that prominently stands on the grounds of the Texas Capital. It is the only statue on the capital grounds that represents people of color. Thousands of visitors view the statue every year.
Byron is a Businessman and former Judge and current substitute Judge for Precinct 4, for Bexar County, Texas. He is the official Commissioner of The Juneteenth San Antonio Commission. He is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. He has done further studies at The American University and St. Mary’s University School of Law. Since 2006, he has served on the Board for the Edwards Aquifer as an elective Bexar County Official and is the current Treasurer and Chairman of Finance for the board of EAA. He is a member of countless other civic and community organizations. Byron currently operates the Miller Child Development Center as CEO. Byron is married with two adult children and three grandchildren.
Byron has become an authority on the history of Juneteenth and is a sought-after speaker on the subject.
Juneteenth Festival
In 1996, the first Juneteenth Celebration was held at the Freeman Coliseum and featured local bands and entertainment. Future festivals have been held at the Carver Cultural Center and St. Paul Square. However, for the past 20+years, the festival has found a home at Comanche Park No. 2.
Through the tireless efforts of the Commission, volunteers and community organizers, the Juneteenth Festival has grown to be a favorite venue for family reunions, community
