June 19, 1865, was the day word reached Galveston, Texas, announcing the Civil War was over and that all enslaved people had been declared free.

“With those words, our country changed, this world changed. And, with bold and contentious decisions, we continue to push for more change – striving always to make it right and just for African Americans everywhere,” writes Jasmine Abel, SWLA Center for Health Services Communication Specialist in a news release announcing the four days of festivities centered around celebrating the history of African Americans here in Southwest Louisiana.

The observance of Juneteenth, Abel said, is about the journey and achievement of African Americans from a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement to the pinnacle of endeavors.

“It is about pride, resilience and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual importance as it serves us well to understand that together we can overcome all obstacles in our way.”

A schedule of events follows:

Friday, June 16

SWLA Center for Health Services Movie Under the Stars. Bring lawn chairs to see “Jumanji, Welcome to the Jungle, “ 6 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheatre.

Saturday, June 17

SWLA Center for Health Services free health and dental screenings. Dental screenings and cleanings are on a first come, first served basis beginning at 8 a.m., 2000 Opelousas St.; SWLA Center for Health Scholarship Recipients will be recognized at the Golden Doors Event Center, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Guest speaker is Dr. Kathleeen Dorsey Bellow, Director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies of Xavier University of Louisiana.

Sunday, June 18

Mount Olive Baptist Church, 3007 Enterprise Blvd. hosts the inaugural  Juneteenth Worship Service at 10 a.m. The theme, in honor of Fathers’s Day is Music, Men and Matters.

Monday, June 19

The Juneteenth Festival will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall at 900 Lakeshore Dr. beginning with the 8 a.m. BBQ Cook-off. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will flow from the Civic Center to Lakeshore Dr., head down Broad Street then down Enterprise Boulevard to Mill Street.

“The Juneteenth celebration is organized and presented by a coalition of groups,” said Robert Guilbeau. “It’s an opportunity to bring together the community to celebrate a date very important to us, a time to showcase the community. The John G. Lewis Sr #165 Consistory, Prince Hall Parade gives us the opportunity to honor community legends and leaders.”

This year’s Parade Grand Marshal is Joe Lee Pea, the first Black in Lake Charles named to The State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Judge Wilford Carter and Calcasieu Parish Police Juror Michael Lewis will also be honored, as will the Arthur Lee Tutson Youth Fraternity of Lake Charles.

Vendors will sell food, art, music, clothing and jewelry. Entertainment includes a noon presentation of the Juneteenth Queens. At 12:15 p.m. is the Freedom Festival Concert. Jarvis Jacob and the Gents go on stage at 5:45 p.m. and Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush perform at 7 p.m.  The evening will conclude with fireworks over the lake.