Security heightened, roads closed ahead of the likely Juneteenth visit from President Biden In 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Act, marking a first for the emancipation holiday that has been celebrated in Galveston since 1865. Now, 160 years later, the former president is set to mark another Juneteenth milestone by becoming the first president, whether former or current, to attend Juneteenth where it all began. Though kept a secret for nearly two weeks due to the lack of confirmed attendance, multiple police sources and city officials briefed on security protocols have confirmed that the former president is expected to attend the annual Juneteenth service at Reedy Chapel - AME Church on Thursday (6/19/2025). A spokesperson for the former president did not respond to a request for information. With the anticipated visit from the former president, security will be tight, and road closures will be implemented. Starting at 3 PM on Thursday, Broadway/AVENUE J will be closed between 19th and 25th streets for the Juneteenth event at Reedy Chapel. The road will remain closed until approximately 10 p.m. All vehicle traffic will also be restricted on 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd streets from Avenue K to Avenue H. Broadway will be closed in both directions, and Sealy Avenue will be closed from 19th to 23rd streets. Measures will be taken to redirect traffic to alternate routes. The detour will begin at 25th Street, redirecting traffic to either Ball Street/Avenue H or Avenue L. From the East End, traffic will be detoured along 19th Street to Ball Street/Avenue H or Avenue L.

Posted by i45NOW TJ Aulds at 2025-06-18 13:17:54 UTC