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SWLA JUNETEENTH
COMMITTEE

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What is Juneteenth?

Know your history.

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.  Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.

The Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) Juneteenth Committee's mission is to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community about African American heritage, and by promoting positive cultural interaction.​  Every year, the SWLA Juneteenth Committee hosts various events in honor of the Juneteenth (June 19th) Holiday, including the SWLA Juneteenth Music Festival. 

  • Juneteenth Minority Job Seekers Fair
    Jun 08, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Downtown Convention Center, 124 S Buchanan St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
    Organizers say the spirit of Juneteenth is one of unity, an opportunity for all to commemorate a milestone in the struggle for freedom and equality, take stock of enduring injustices and celebrate the contributions of the Black community.
  • Opening Ceremonies & Flag Raising
    Jun 09, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
    Lafayette International Center, 735 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
  • SWLA 2023 Juneteenth Pageant
    Jun 16, 5:30 PM CDT
    Downtown Convention Center, 124 S Buchanan St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
    The Southwest Louisiana Juneteenth Committee is excited to bring back the Juneteenth Pageant. We are happy you and / or your young person is a potential contestant in the AWESOME Pageant. We see this as an opportunity to shine the spotlight on our AMAZING young people. We welcome all females between
  • Juneteenth Sickle Cell Anemia Walk
    Jun 17, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    The Historic Heymann Park, 1500 S Orange St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
  • 2023 SWLA Juneteenth Festival
    Jun 17, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT
    The Historic Heymann Park, 1500 S Orange St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
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Essay/Poster Contests

 winners will receive $ 
THEME: Where do I fit in a changing world?

Special thanks to our Sponsors

Honoring our Heritage. Uniting the Community.

Celebrating Equality.

 

TOGETHER.

14

YEARS OF JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS IN LAFAYETTE

LOUISIANA

157

YEARS SINCE THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION

4,500 +

NUMBER OF ATTENDEES AT 2021 SWLA JUNETEENTH EVENTS &  MUSIC FESTIVAL

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