Culinary Experience
Chef-curated dishes by Saucay'BawBQ, Jane's French Cuisine, Gravy Lafayette, Prejean's Carencro, and iMonelli.
The Heritage Jubilee
6:00 PM • June 19 • AcA ArtHouse
7:30 PM • Opening Performance downstairs in AcA's Moncus Theatre
Music & Style
Live music by saxophonist Isaiah Norwood and other special guests.
Best dressed guest wins an opening night prize.
Silent Auction
A curated silent auction and exclusive vendor experience provided by The Allure for Moore.
Tickets & Support
Jubilee Only $40
Pairs and VIP Show Bundles up to $125.
All proceeds go toward the preservation of The Juneteenth Story, Black Theatre Experience, & The SWLA Juneteenth Committee.
About the Production
Written by local playwright Twana Benoit and directed by her son, Josiah Price — Resident Director of The Black Theatre Experience. A live theatrical and civic gathering that commemorates Juneteenth through story, music, movement, and intergenerational dialogue.
Told across two timelines, connecting emancipation-era experiences to the ongoing work of freedom today. As the Williams family prepares for the annual Juneteenth Festival, they are regaled with real-life tales of how the story of freedom came about. The play began in the early nineties as 'When We Gon Be Free'.
Over 500 guests annually. Pre-show by Fire Expressions Dance Conservatory. For 2026, expanding with mainstage performances at AcA and a Gala Fundraiser.
From the stage
A visual showcase of production photography from both historical and modern timelines, documenting the Williams family's journey through freedom.
Teaching freedom as a living practice
Camp Performances
Providing free mainstage shows for Lafayette Parks & Rec summer campers, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys & Girls Club members.
Presenting Sponsor
$10,000
Only 1 available. Includes 12 premium tickets and premier billing across all platforms.
Liberty Sponsor
$3,000
4 available. Includes 6 tickets and prominent listing as a Liberty supporter.
Help tell a story of freedom. Your sponsorship directly supports our mainstage production and educational programs. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Build this with us
Community Sponsor
$1,000
Open availability. Includes 2 tickets and recognition in our community partner list.
Questions? Contact us at thejuneteenthstory@gmail.com
Heritage Sponsor
2 available. Includes 8 tickets and featured recognition in production and gala materials.
$5,000
Freedom Sponsor
In honor of 1865. Limited availability. Includes 4 tickets and name in playbill.