Carencro Honors Lynching Victims with Historical Marker

Carencro has unveiled a historical marker to honor lynching victims Louis Senegal and Antoine Domingue, the first of its kind in Lafayette Parish. The marker aims to raise awareness about racial terror and promote reconciliation. Organizers emphasize the importance of sharing these stories to educate future generations on this dark chapter of history.

The community of Carencro unveiled a historical marker honoring the lynching victims Louis Senegal and Antoine Domingue, marking the first recognition of such victims in Lafayette Parish. The ceremony, held on March 29, aimed to raise awareness about the history of racial terror lynchings and promote reconciliation among residents. This permanent tribute is located at 409 Veterans Dr. in Carencro, serving as a reminder of the widespread racial violence that affected Southern states in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Organized by Move the Mindset and the Lafayette Parish Community Remembrance Project, the event was a poignant occasion for honoring those who suffered unspeakable violence due to systemic racism. Ola Prejean, president of Move the Mindset, emphasized the importance of remembering such events, explaining how during that troubling period, white supremacy overtly influenced legal structures. He pointed out the historical context of lynching, stating, “They (Senegal and Domingue) are not written in the history books anywhere. It’s a part of history that many people don’t know.”

The marker signifies a broader avenue for truth-telling, acknowledgment, and reconciliation concerning the tragic stories of lynching victims. During the 1865 to 1950 timeframe, over 6,500 Black individuals were lynched in America, with Louisiana accounting for at least 615 victims, including six in Lafayette Parish. Prejean’s remarks highlighted the vital need to shed light on these dark chapters of local history.

As descendants of victims connect with this history, for individuals like Maya Senegal, the event had profound personal significance. She expressed her emotions, stating, “This is a blessing. To come here and be a part of history, I can cry.” Maya, who has been tracing her family history, hopes to pass down the legacy of her great-great-grandfather to future generations, ensuring that the memory of their struggles persists.

The unveiling of the historical marker in Carencro is a significant step towards acknowledging and educating the community about the racial terror lynchings that occurred in Louisiana. By honoring Louis Senegal and Antoine Domingue, the event not only memorializes these individuals but also initiates ongoing conversations about race, history, and reconciliation. The testimony of descendants further accentuates the importance of preserving such histories, fostering awareness and remembrance in generations to come.

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