AUGUST BALL FUNDRAISER – HISTORIC EVENT THIS SATURDAY

This Saturday is the August Ball, commemorating August 1, 1887. Emancipation Day celebrates the liberation of enslaved people, first in the Caribbean, and then eventually the end of slavery in this country. This Ball was also celebrated in 1887 by the La Crosse Community and this year it makes its return.

The event is a joint presentation from local non-profits: Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge, Hope ReStores, Enduring Families Project, and Black Student Leaders.

We caught up with Hope Restores Co-Founder, Shy Jackson, to learn more about the history and what to expect at the event:

The event is at UW-L’s Bluffs Ballroom, inside the Student Union. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the event starts at 6. This is a formal event that includes dinner and dancing. It is also the public presentation of the Juneteenth court (pictured above) celebrating history.

Based on the Cotillion and Beautillion, the La Crosse Juneteenth Court is designed to bring youth Ages 16-18 that identify as Black, biracial, and multiracial (with Black being one of their identities) together to learn about their culture, history, and build community. This is also a time that we celebrate our youth crossing over into adulthood.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for youth. Grab ’em online now HERE.