Stepping out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge. - We had a private tour with Dr. Sorrell. The information she taught us was truly astonishing. How did we not learn this history in school? We enjoyed her so much we had her as a speaker for a Juneteenth celebration at our home. Our guests were enthralled. We appreciate the work she does to become knowledgeable and then to share the history with us all. This is a must-do tour for all Galveston visitors and residents alike.

Great opportunity! - We learned a lot! It was a great experience and Dr. Sorrell is so knowledgeable. I highly recommend!

Very informative - Dr. Sorrell was quite informative and relatable. It was sobnice to have someone give the tour who has a vested interest in her community. Learning the history of Juneteenth and how it started was amazing. Even if you think you already know, she has more to teach you.

Great Family Experience - Great insight and information great people and good family fun. Definitely check it out and affordable

Juneteenth and Beyond Great Tour!! - This was a wonderful tour. Dr. Sorrell kept us informed and most of all engaged telling us the history of Juneteenth, Galveston, etc. Anyone signing up for this tour will not be disappointed. It is well worth it!! Thank you Dr. Sorrell.

Juneteenth Tour Highly Recommended - Our experience on this tour was nothing short of amazing. To hear the history of Juneteenth, Galveston and the overall destruction in 1900 leading to the Seawall being built, one must definitely take this tour. While the history of slavery is being removed from various books, schools, etc., one will learn otherwise. (Don't want to give the tour away... LOL) A lot was learned and I pray others take the opportunity to experience what we were able to experience. Thank you Dr. Sorrell for a wonderful tour!!

Getting to know the true heart of Texas! An African American experience. - This tour is very interesting and informative. You'll learn history facts that are not taught in the books. Awesome and knowledgeable tour guide. A different experience each time. There is so much to see and learn. I loved the tour and recommend it for all!!

A new found hope - New found Hope. I came to Galveston looking for a sense of well-being and hope. I found that in my visit to Reddy Church with Juneteenth and beyond tour. My tour guide bought everything alive and gave me a sense of greatness with just the telling of the story. I would suggest no demand require everyone. I know ,to make the trip and definitely take the tour because it was very inspiring moving and thought provoking I I wish her well in the days to come and much success.

Juneteenth and Beyond: Black History Van Tour, led by the passionate and knowledgeable Dr. Araminta Sorrell - On the momentous occasion of the 106th Anniversary of Juneteenth Emancipation, I had the privilege of participating in the Juneteenth and Beyond: Black History Van Tour, led by the passionate and knowledgeable Dr. Araminta Sorrell. This immersive tour through Galveston, Texas, offered a moving and historically rich experience that honored the legacy, resilience, and enduring spirit of African Americans in Texas. Dr. Sorrell guided us through several landmark locations on Galveston Island, where history was not only shared but deeply felt. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt narration, she transported us back to the monumental day of January 1, 1866, when over 800 freed individuals gathered at the Old Galveston Courthouse for the first reading of General Order No. 3. She described how they marched—joyfully and with songs of freedom—to Reedy Chapel AME Church, a sacred space where they prayed and gave thanks in powerful celebration of their liberation. Her tour went beyond the typical narrative. It invited us to relive moments that are often overlooked or omitted from mainstream textbooks. Through each stop, Dr. Sorrell painted vivid scenes of hope, resistance, and transformation. The journey was not just educational—it was emotional and reverent. It was as if we were walking alongside those who first tasted freedom on June 19, 1865, the day federal troops arrived in Galveston to enforce the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas. Dr. Sorrell’s expert curation of the sites and her passionate delivery made the tour a profound learning experience. Her commitment to telling the full story of African American Texans was evident in every detail, ensuring that participants walked away with not only knowledge but a deepened appreciation for the strength of a people whose stories deserve to be remembered and honored. This tour is a must for anyone seeking to understand the true origins of Juneteenth and the broader narrative of Black history in America. As Dr. Sorrell so powerfully reminds us: we must continue to “relive the history that is not taught in history books.”

Interesting Knowledge - Dr. Sorrell was very kind and informative. We leaned things we didn’t know about a place we have visited many times. Thank you for the history lesson Dr. Sorrell.