In 2020 the first NOLA Juneteenth Fest was produced—accidentally. Shortly after moving back home from spending a year in China, organizer Shaddai Livingston was accepted into the Peace Corps in late 2019 and was eager to deploy to the Gambia in Summer 2020 on her next adventure. Due to the pandemic her deployment was canceled. Staying home for longer than a year hadn't crossed her mind, but that summer an elder (Mama Baderinwa) 'voluntold" her to organize an event for Juneteenth. She accepted the call and the outpour of support was overwhelming. What was expected to be a small celebration turned into a festival.

The following year the LA Afro-Indigenous Society was founded. Shaddai wrote grants, registered the organization, built the website, and continued to look for ways to grow the event beyond the festival. 2021 introduced the first Juneteenth Freedom Gala and 2026 introduces the Juneteenth Economic Summit. 

In 2022 the festival implemented a community vow renewal officiated by Sunni Patterson. At the time of the decision, the purpose was unclear to Shaddai, but the idea felt right. Later that year she learned Juan San Malo's wife was also reported to have been lynched with him on June 19, 1784. That knowledge confirmed the decision was the right move as the vow renewal acts as a symbol of public love on Juan Malo Day/Juneteenth.

The Afro-Indigenous Society is always seeking support, assistance, sponsorship, and collaborations. If you're interested email connecting or learning more about other LAIS initiatives such as the Chakra Fest & Chakra Workshop Series email admin@afroindigenoussociety.org.