Austin's "Stay Black and Live" 10-day festival kicks off today as part of the city's Juneteenth celebrations.
State of play: The festival was launched in 2020 to bring people together during the pandemic and in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.
This year's events, which are also hosted at the Carver Museum, include cookouts, dance parties, live music and conversations between community leaders, educators and scholars.
What they're saying: "We aim to honor the significance of Juneteenth as we foster a deeper understanding of our shared history," Carre Adams, museum director at the Carver, said in a statement.
Context: Juneteenth memorializes the moment when the last enslaved people in the U.S., in Galveston, were officially informed of their freedom, on June 19, 1865, more than two months after Robert E. Lee had surrendered at Appomattox Court House.
What's next: Festivities kick off at noon today with a free film screening of "Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom," along with a conversation between documentary director and University of Texas professor Ya'ke Smith.
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