SUMMARY: Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, declaring all enslaved individuals free with equal rights. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, true freedom required Union troop enforcement locally, making Juneteenth the last large emancipation event in the U.S. Texas had seen a rise in slavery as enslavers fled there during the Civil War. The Dallas Historical Society will display one of the few surviving original handbills of the order, highlighting Juneteenth’s vital historical significance. The holiday became federally recognized in 2021.

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SUMMARY: The Gulfport Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 10th class this Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Lyman Community Center, honoring 11 distinguished athletes. Inductees include Timmy Bowers, Sara Carter, Robin Fairley Collins, Rod Davis, Bobby Garner, Charles Harris, Leroy Johnson, Cedric Scott, Syniker Taylor, Rick Villarreal, and Trent Weaver. Several honorees expressed joy and gratitude for being recognized decades after their athletic achievements. Board President Steve Williams emphasized that inductees must have demonstrated excellence beyond high school, including collegiate success. The ceremony marks a milestone in celebrating Gulfport’s sports legacy and the contributions of its standout athletes.

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SUMMARY: The Biloxi Shuckers lit up Keesler Federal Park on National Mascot Day, edging out the Knoxville Smokies 9-8 in a thrilling game that brought them within one win of clinching the South Division’s first-half title. Pitcher Tate Kuehner started strong, while Mike Boeve and Cooper Pratt sparked early offense. Luis Lara and Boeve extended the lead, but Knoxville tied it 3-3. Brock Wilken’s birthday homer and career-high 18 strikeouts stood out, though the Smokies surged ahead in the 8th. The Shuckers rallied late, with a sacrifice fly from Pratt sealing the win. Wednesday’s game could secure their division title.

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