NEWS
Celebrations highlight Juneteenth weekend in Donaldsonville, New Orleans
Michael TortorichGonzales Weekly Citizen
Updated June 29, 2026, 8:06 p.m. CT
- A Juneteenth celebration, Libations & Citations, was held in Donaldsonville and New Orleans.
- The event was presented by the nonprofit gaudanse and the River Road African American Museum.
In celebration of Juneteenth this year, nonprofit gaudanse presented Libations & Citations in collaboration with the River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville
gaudanse is an interdisciplinary dance production organization
Curated by gaudanse Artistic Director Imani Gaudin, history was transformed into living memory, as detailed in a news release
The Juneteenth weekend began at RRAAM’s Rosenwald School in the historic Ascension Parish city along the west bank of the Mississippi River, where a standing-room-only conversation and book signing featured retired Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, co-author KaTrina Griffin and interviewer U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby
“It was an honor to celebrate Juneteenth in Donaldsonville with family and friends,” Johnson said in the release. “It is important to me to interact with young people. I like to encourage them to work hard and dream big. My presence in the community is evidence of what they can achieve!”
“I think what is happening in America is impacting young people, and we want them to be involved in the process…we want them to be leaders and get involved in their communities and change whatever needs to be changed and improved.” Roby stated. “It was an honor interviewing a giant in the legal profession who has always fought for civil rights and is one who exemplifies what a good leader looks like.”
“It was important for us to focus on accessible, sustainable, wellness-based art practices in curating these events by providing free experiences focused on the arts, cultural preservation, and our humanity,” Gaudin, the event curator, stated. “We gathered to celebrate joy, love and freedom by honoring our ancestors.”
The celebration then continued at the Episcopal Church of Ascension, where history and artistry intertwined with the legacy of the GU272 descendants
The event included a performance by saxophonist Lazarro Nettles, poetry, journaling and a candle lighting ceremony
Varnel Jackson Sr., a descendent of the Hohen Solms and Modeste community near Donaldsonville, Roy Quezaire Jr. and his sister, Dr. Barbara Quezaire LeBoeuf, both born in Donaldsonville, shared memories with the audience, recounting moments of the True Friends Hall
The second day of the celebration was held in New Orleans’ City Park, where Gaudin and dance artist Celine Seiber brought nanibu: The Throne Room to life
gaudanse extended gratitude in the release to its supporters, which included the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, CF Industries, Graugnard Furniture, the gaudanse Board of Directors and team, RRAAM, Darryl Gissel, Eric’s Epic Events LLC, community partners, participating artists and the returning and first-time audience members whose presence made the weekend possible
