For years, the community of East Austin would stroll to Rosewood Park, a public space in the area, and celebrate Juneteenth. But lately, as housing costs in the neighborhood have jumped, some have been forced to move away, adding challenges to the way they can mark the day.This year's Juneteenth event—which commemorates the news of the abolition of slavery—will take place on June 15. The community celebrates with a parade and a gathering at Rosewood Park.
Austin has seen a rise in prices for housing, a development that escalated during the pandemic when an influx of migrants from other parts of the country created competition for homes which in turn helped to push the prices of rental homes and houses available for sale.Dawson said inflation has also impacted the cost of holding the Juneteenth event post-COVID.