Austin’s Juneteenth commemorations end with reflection on ancestors.

In East Austin, Juneteenth celebrations were concluded with a ceremony that reflected on the Black ancestors who made the occasion possible. The event, held at the Carver Museum, was an opportunity for attendees to honor their forefathers through song, dance, prayer, and meditation.

April Ricard, a guest at the Carver Museum, explained that the ceremony was a chance for her to acknowledge those who came before her and to appreciate the sacrifices they made, allowing them to enjoy the freedom that exists today. She described the event as an opportunity to reflect on the significance of this historic day and to pay homage to those who lost their lives, fighting for their freedom.

Musicians and singers graced the stage, accompanied by a memorial of several important faces. The latter were Black people who, as Carre Adams, the Curator/Culture and Arts Education Manager at the Carver Museum, explained, were believed to have been killed by the police, dating all the way back to 1955. The memorial was created to honor those who lost their lives to violence on this holiday.

Adams believes that it is essential to recognize and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and the greater good. She said that they should elevate their names as a means to reflect on the past and aspire to a better future.

Chas Moore, with the Austin Justice Coalition, said that the holiday was an opportunity to take a moment and reflect on the past 400 to 500 years, when our ancestors endured a harsh reality that was, and still is, American society. The ceremony was about acknowledging the struggles and pain that our community has experienced and amplifying the voices of those who continue the fight for justice.

Juneteenth is a day to remember, celebrate, rest and continue the fight. This federal holiday became official in 2021, after being a Texas holiday for 43 years. Richard summed it up by saying that it is an opportunity to uplift one another and focus on bringing joy to the populace and perpetuating Black joy. It is a day to rest and acknowledge the people who work tirelessly, and who are the backbone not only of this country but also of their communities.