AUGUST BALL

The August Ball is a celebration of freedom and community, where young boys and girls learn essential social skills through the traditions of a cotillion. Participants engage in etiquette training, social dances, and a formal dinner. The event is designed to prepare them for future social interactions and instill a sense of confidence and responsibility. August Ball not only commemorates the Emancipation Day of August 1, 1887, but also serves as a coming-of-age ceremony for young individuals aged 14 and above.

The third annual August Ball is August 9th at Cappella Performing Arts Center, featuring a formal dinner and recreating the grand ball with the Juneteenth Court. This wonderful event is a collaboration between Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge Inc., Hope Restores, Enduring Families Project, and the La Crosse Juneteenth Committee.

Juneteenth Court member Dazlyn Williams, going into her junior year at Logan, came in to share her experience and preparation for this year’s August Ball. Shamawyah Curtis, co-founder of Hope Restores, and Mia Davis, Black Student Leaders and youth group facilitator, joined the Morning Buzz to talk about the history and this year’s event:

The August Ball was part of the Emancipation Day celebration, which became Juneteenth. Originally, it was called the Haitian Independence Day because the celebration started in 1804. The independence day began with shared picnic baskets at Levey Park (now Riverside Park) and there were speakers calling for political action. In the evening, there was a grand ball highlighted with fireworks. Learn more about the event’s history and more local history on the Enduring Families website.

CLICK HERE for tickets and RSVP on Facebook for updates!