ACC commemorates Juneteenth with event and parade - Student Infohub

Hundreds turned out to celebrate Juneteenth at the Austin Community College District (ACC) Eastview Campus on Tuesday, June 18. The annual event was hosted by the ACC’s African American Cultural Center in partnership with other college offices and programs.

The college also participated in the annual Juneteenth parade in Austin on Saturday, June 15. A group of ACC students and staff, including ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart and his family, joined the ACC float and passed out candy to parade watchers.

Check out the fun in the photo slideshow below!

Austin Community College District (ACC) Riverbats participate in the annual Central Texas Juneteenth Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Historic East Austin.
ACC joined the parade with its own float.
ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart joined the Juneteenth parade for the first time.
ACC students riding on the float tossed candy to bystanders throughout the entire route.
The Riverbats celebrate as their float passes the iconic mural depicting Black history at the corner of 12th and Chicon streets.
ACC Trustee Gigi Edwards Bryant waves to bystanders as the ACC float makes its way through the streets of Historic East Austin.
The college has honored Juneteenth since 1974 with both internal and external celebrations including musical performances, cultural awareness talks, guest speakers, and opportunities to showcase the college’s African American Cultural Center.
Hundreds turned out to celebrate Juneteenth at the Austin Community College District (ACC) Eastview Campus on Tuesday, June 18.
The event was hosted by the ACC’s African American Cultural Center in partnership with other college offices and programs.
The community-wide Juneteenth celebration included live performances, games, dancing as well as a a dunk tank.
Event participants could access community tables, giveaways, local artists, and more.
The African-American Cultural Center at Eastview Campus promotes an understanding of African-American culture, history, and contributions within ACC and Central Texas communities.
It provides a welcoming environment that integrates students into college life and offers support and opportunities for connection and study.
Several local artists offered free face painting and henna tattoo.
The playful ACC mascot, R.B. the Riverbat, was present to greet participants young and old and took advantage of the occasion to engage in many of the fun activities.

The annual event commemorates the announcement of the emancipation of slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865—two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s official Emancipation Proclamation.