ACC hosts Juneteenth celebration at Eastview Campus

AUSTIN, Texas (June 12, 2014) – Austin Community College will celebrate Juneteenth in East Austin—where the city’s grassroots civil rights movements began—with the annual Sounds of Freedom event. It takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Eastview Campus (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 will enjoy live entertainment, games, vendor booths, a domino tournament, and college information. The event is free and open to all.

“Sounds of Freedom is a great way to celebrate Juneteenth and recognize the contributions of our ancestors,” says Loretta Edelen, ACC community outreach director. “We invite the entire community to come relax on the Eastview lawn and enjoy the day.”

The Sounds of Freedom schedule includes:

  • 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Room 8500 – Intergenerational Juneteenth: Program, lunch, and senior activities
  • 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Eastview Courtyard – Family and Youth Showcase: Family-friendly entertainment and games
  • 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Student Lounge – Domino Tournament
  • 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. – Hip Hop into College: College and financial aid information, with DJ Brotha K and Eric Merino

The commemoration of Juneteenth continues June 21, with ACC’s participation in the Juneteenth historical parade. It begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of 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) programs, which provide support for minority students and promote leadership.

“Every student in the program is a walking billboard of success, and the community needs to see men of color in positive roles,” says Jarrell McCullar, MOC coordinator. “Juneteenth is one of the many celebrations of culture, history, and tradition that Austin Community College supports, and we are proud to be included.”

For more information on ACC’s Juneteenth celebrations, contact Loretta Edelen (512.223.5106 or [email protected]) or visit austincc.edu/juneteenth.

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