AUSTIN — Austinites gathered Friday to join in on the annual Sounds of Freedom Juneteenth celebration at the Austin Community College Eastview Campus.
Juneteenth is a U.S. holiday honoring African-American heritage, which commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. The Buffalo Soldiers Program at Texas Parks and Wildlife were at the celebration on Friday.
Buffalo Soldiers were black slaves and freedman who fought in battles since mid-1800s, including the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. The Ninth, Tenth, Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth Infantry Regiments were comprised of Buffalo Soldiers.
Community members and students enjoyed live entertainment, games, vendor booths, a domino tournament, and college information. The event was free and open to anyone.
The celebration was sponsored by ACC, the college's Community Outreach Office, ACC's African American Cultural Center, the Male Leadership program, the City of Austin, Austin Parks and Recreation, and several other sponsors.
At the celebration, tales of of Buffalo Soldiers captivated the attention of many young ones.
For more information about the Buffalo Soldiers and their history, visit their website here.
