Updated with event location change.

Austin Community College will celebrate Juneteenth in East Austin—where the city’s grassroots civil rights movements began—with the annual Sounds of Freedom festival. The event is free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Eastview Campus in the Multipurpose Room 8500 (3401 Webberville Rd.).

Juneteenth is a U.S. holiday honoring African-American heritage. It commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. Community members and students are invited to enjoy live entertainment, games, vendor booths, and a domino tournament.

“Sounds of Freedom is a great way to embrace what Juneteenth is all about and teach young generations about the progress that has been made to build one, diverse community,” says Loretta Edelen, ACC community outreach director. “We invite the entire community to Eastview Campus to view the performances and learn about ACC.”

The Sounds of Freedom schedule:

• 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Juneteenth Program: Readings, activities, and presentations by Smooth & EZ Dancers of Texas and Step N Motion
• 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. – Family and Youth Showcase: Entertainment and games
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch and a 2015 Cannes Festival short film
• 2-3:30 p.m. – Domino Tournament
  

The commemoration of Juneteenth continues June 20, with ACC’s participation in the Juneteenth historical parade. The event begins 10 a.m. at Comal Street and MLK Boulevard. The college will have a float that depicts the history behind Juneteenth and R.B., ACC’s mascot, will ride on it.

ACC’s Juneteenth celebrations will include participation by the Men of Color (MOC) program, which provides support for minority students and promotes leadership.

“Our ACC Men of Color students are excited to participate and show unity on such a wonderful and historic day,” says Jarrell McCullar, MOC coordinator. “Juneteenth is a unique opportunity to bring the City of Austin together and celebrate the contributions and rich history of African-Americans in Texas.”

For more information on ACC’s Juneteenth celebrations, visit austincc.edu/juneteenth.