Austin Juneteenth festival kicks off

Austin's "Stay Black and Live" festival begins today, marking the city's Juneteenth celebrations with diverse community-oriented events. Launched in 2020 to foster connection during the pandemic and in response to George Floyd's murder, this year's festival features cookouts, dance parties, and live music at the Carver Museum. Carver Museum director Carre Adams stated that the festival aims to promote a deeper understanding of shared history. Juneteenth memorializes the moment on June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the U. S.

were informed of their freedom in Galveston, Texas. The festival's opening includes a free screening of "Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom," followed by a discussion with documentary director Ya'ke Smith. This event underscores the local commitment to honoring African American heritage and community resilience. The festival not only celebrates freedom but also encourages dialogue among community leaders, educators, and scholars. As festivities unfold, the event highlights the ongoing significance of Juneteenth in contemporary discussions about race and justice.