Juneteenth, a national holiday celebrating the final emancipation of enslaved people, prompts many Austin communities to host celebrations in the weeks around June 19.

“This is about remembering,” said Selton Williams, president of the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers of Austin. “If you forget your history, you’re doomed to make the same mistakes over.” Williams emphasized the importance of honoring both the pain of the past and the joy of emancipation: “Juneteenth is about the proudness and the expression of joy.”

Juneteenth festivities are rooted in cookouts and picnics. Originally celebrated as Black Americans’ true Independence Day, outdoor events allowed f