One of the last segregated buildings in Louisiana will serve as the host site for the 2025 Juneteenth kick-off celebrations in Natchitoches Parish. Texas and Pacific Railway Depot (built in 1927) will be the gathering place for Crimson Cream and Coffee-recognition event, Saturday, June 21 at 8:15 am until 8:45. Hosted by Natchitoches Mardi Gras krewe-Krewe of The 9, the event will pay homage to two noted Natchitoches natives that are featured via exterior (life size) exhibits at the historic facility-which is occupied today by the National Park Service as an information center/museum-1927 Remembrance Way.

The late Edwina Mudrick Lewis and Edward Ward, Jr. are featured along with others at the depot-citing the depot’s usage for the Natchitoches community in general and the African-American experience. Lewis was a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Ward is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The two college based organizations are constituent members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and are also known as part of the “Divine 9” collective. The two distinguished international organizations share the same (crimson and creme) colors! The event is open to the public at no cost.

For more information, call: (318) 332-8254.