Juneteenth Celebration this weekend in Lafayette

The annual Southwest Louisiana Juneteenth Celebration is set for this weekend and will include a play that is free and open to the public.

According to the Southwest Louisiana Juneteenth Committee’s website, Juneteenth dates back to 1865 and is “the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.”

The committee’s mission is to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community and promoting positive cultural interaction.

The celebration will kick off with a play on black historical moments at Clifton Chenier Center on Friday night. The play begins at 6 p.m. and is free, but reservations are required. The Clifton Chenier Center is located at 220 W. Willow St. in Lafayette.

The fun will continue on Sunday afternoon with a festival in Heymann Park from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Performers will include Curley Taylor, Connie G, Lil Fallay and Donnie Boden Jr.

For more information visit http://www.swlajuneteenth.org/.