In Galveston, Texas, just steps from the Gulf and tucked near the cruise terminal, sits a building quietly holding the weight of generations. The Nia Cultural Center stands beautifully along Galveston’s historic Strand, radiating its power of preserving and sharing the rich legacy of Black history and culture in Galveston and beyond.

The center sits not far from the very docks where enslaved Africans were once brought ashore. It's eerie, really. The same docks that once dragged enslaved Africans onto Galveston's shores are now used to board tourists onto luxury cruises…

Around the back of the center, a mural shines Absolute Equality. The mural is breathtaking, honestly. The imagery. The size. Once the place of the slave auction block now shines a bold tribute to the delayed, yet rightful, freedom that Juneteenth represents.

Galveston is the birthplace of Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived and announced that slavery had officially ended… two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. It was here that freedom finally reached those still held in bondage. That moment, and the legacy it left, lives on at the Nia Cultural Center.

Visiting the center offers more than a history lesson. It’s a rich, emotional, and deeply human experience. From the guided tours, curated exhibits, and interactive storytelling, visitors got to explore not only the history of Juneteenth, but the broader narrative of Black Gulf Coast life…a very niche, rich culture built on a foundation of resistance and survival, cultural innovation, and community building. A culture that I am honored to be part of.

The space is filled with archival photos, community artifacts, oral histories, and artistic curations that honor Black life and culture across generations. It tells the truth about the trauma of slavery and the persistence of injustice, but it also uplifts the joy, creativity, and resilience of Black people in Texas and across the diaspora. This is what I loved most. It’s a place of memory, yes, but also an inspiration for moving forward.

During Juneteenth weekend, the Nia Cultural Center became a living, breathing celebration. The museum’s exhibits were matched with live performances, community conversations, local vendors, and educational programming for all ages. It was so beautiful to see the true freedom holiday be celebrated so intensely, so lovingly.

What makes Nia especially impactful is its intimacy. Unlike larger institutions, it creates a sense of personal connection. Visitors were not just observers—we were invited into the space. The guides were in community with us. It felt like a family sharing stories at a backyard fish fry. Very authentic and personal. That invitation was extended to locals and tourists alike, to those who’ve known the history all their lives and to those learning it for the first time.

As the cultural landscape of Southeast Texas continues to grow, the Nia Cultural Center is a reminder of what’s possible when we preserve what matters. Galveston, often overlooked or completely written off because of the “quality of the beach,” holds layers of Black history and cultural richness waiting to be explored.

And the invitation doesn’t stop at the island. For those of us based in Houston and surrounding areas, a visit to Nia can be the start of a deeper relationship with the city and region as a whole. Don’t sleep on Southeast Texas. It is full of cultural gems—from Black-owned bookstores, theaters, art spaces, historic neighborhoods, gardens, and festivals that breathe life into the everyday.

The narrative that all Houston offers is hookah and section culture is played. Folks have to begin to seek, to listen, to walk with intention in finding the spaces that feed their interests, curiosities, and connection to the city. The culture is here. The history is here. Whether you’re visiting Galveston for Juneteenth or simply looking to reconnect with history in a meaningful way, the Nia Cultural Center is the perfect stop. 

It’s a cornerstone of truth, community, and cultural pride. And most importantly, it’s a place where history, experience, freedom, Blackness, and joy culminate into preserved beauty. It’s doing the work of keeping it alive and accessible. We just have to show up and support.

LATELY IN HOUSTON

THC lives on (*whispers* legally) in Texas. ICYMI Abbott vetoed the bill that would’ve criminalized weed. His stance? More regulation. (Think alcohol.) Weed entrepreneurs—you have 2-3 business days to respond.

“Best spots in Houston that play funky, soulful, ancestral house music?” This tiktok really said I wanna be around cool people and listen to cool music!! and tbh, same! The spots mentioned are golden and its engagement tells us we’re in for a house music summer in H-town.

Black cowboys lead. Did we recently finish Lonesome Dove for the first time? Yes. Can we not stop thinking about it and (crying over) one of its beloved characters Joshua Deets? Yes? Did we read this Texas Monthly piece on the real Black cowboy that inspired him? Absolutely.

The most diverse suburb in America… Sugar Land absolutely stuns in this new New York Times piece on how it’s the place for immigrants to thrive, citing it as one of the most diverse areas in the country.

WEEKEND EVENTS

All weekend:

• Subo kitchen pop-up and collab at Third Place

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in concert at Houston Symphony

• Beyoncé (duh)

Thursday, 6/26

6:30pm, Crafts | Houston Museum of Natural Sceince is hosting a Fossil Embroidery class. “Create your own stunning textile art inspired by the intricate details of fossils. Using embroidery techniques, you'll transform patterns reminiscent of ancient creatures into beautiful designs.” Sold out.

7pm-10pm, Dancing | Salsa dancing at Discovery Green during Park After Dark. Free.

7pm-12am, Live DJ | R&B all night at 93 ’Til featuring DJ Kayillah and DJ Demo.

8pm-1:30am, Nightlife | Axelrad is hosting Feels Like Summer 2025 Pride edition! “We have 3 DJ's Amarji, Kayillah, & Hollaway. Drag contest hosted by the lovely Queen Persephone with a $150 cash prize for the winner!” Free.

8:30pm-10:30pm, Film Screening | Watch RENT at Movie Under the Stars at Trebly Park. Free.

8pm-11pm, Live Music | Listen to Turkish Funk celebrating Erkin Koray with live performance by Aurum Son at Echoes. It’ll be followed by a DJ set from 11pm-2am. No cover.

Friday, 6/27

6pm, Culture Festival | H-Town Hoedown is happening at White Oak Music Hall. “A vibrant celebration of Houston's unique culture, featuring BBQ, fashion, dancing, classic cars, and more!” Tickets start at $25.

9pm, Yoga | It’s DJ Screw Day and Black Swan Yoga is hosting Screw Your Flow “by slowing down and building up powerful practice in mind and body while honoring Houston’s musical legacy.” $27.

Saturday, 6/28

4pm-5:30pm, Floral Workshop | Summer Floral Workshop with Eden Plant Co. at POST. “You’ll learn essential floral care, design principles, and color theory while working with textures and shapes specific to the season.” $65.

5pm-8pm, Crafts  | LEGO Night with Houston Toy Museum at Houston Botanic Garden. “Pre-order a LEGO set from the Houston Toy Museum and join us for our second LEGO® Night at the Garden.” $12 for entry and $20 for LEGO set.

8pm, Festival  | Celebrate the 47th official Houston Pride Festival & Parade starting at Houston City Hall. “This is Houston’s boldest celebration of diversity and inclusion—the premier event of the Pride season, drawing hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers every summer. 🏳️‍🌈” $8.

8pm, Nightlife  | Check out Jazz Night at Faded Decade. “With the three acts, we will take you through the decades of this music they call jazz.” Tickets start at $12.

8:30pm, Live Music | Classic Albums live performs Fleetwood Mac at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Free.

Sunday, 6/29

11am, Drag Brunch | Cowboy Carter Drag Brunch at Boheme. “Boheme's Famoud Drag Brunch - Cowboy Carter edition 🤠.” Make a reservation.

2pm-5pm, Crafts | Booked, Beaded and Unbothered features creating waistbands at Houston Book Warehouse. “Come get adorned where art meets intention!” RSVP on their IG. $15.

6pm, Nightlife | Every last Sunday of the month is Caribe Funk at The Flat. “Come experience a fusion of African, Latin, and Caribbean sounds and textures ranging from Salsa Dura, Classic Afrobeat...” and more. Free.

ON THE HOU(S)E Concierge

Want more OTH? Follow and stay in touch with us on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.

ON THE HOU(S)E wants to connect with you whether you’re a creator, writer, small business, or brand. We’d love to hear from you! Email [email protected].