In honor of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation that Texas slaves were free, College of the Mainland will host a Juneteenth celebration on June 18 from noon to 2 p.m. in the COM Learning Resources Center Auditorium.

With song, stories and re-enactors, participants will learn more about the significance of the day. Students will present the lives of Thomas Fuller, a slave and mental math genius, and Frederick Douglass, abolitionist and statesman.

Students will make a tribute to lifelong educator Sara Jane Giles, who retired from La Marque ISD and COM.

“She has contributed so much to this community. She is 84 and tutors in her home and at the tutorial lab at Greater Barbour’s Chapel Baptist Church. She just has that heart to make sure kids do well in school,” said Tillie Henson, event coordinator.

Recognizing her contribution and the value of education in a free society, the Lee and Sara Giles scholarship will be awarded to Galveston County students at the Juneteenth celebration.

The free event includes the ceremony and lunch.

For more information, contact Henson at thenson@com.edu.