Carencro Commemorates Lynching Victims with Historical Marker

Carencro unveiled a historical marker honoring lynching victims Louis Senegal and Antoine Domingue, the first of its kind in Lafayette Parish. This initiative aims to raise awareness of racial terror and promote community reconciliation, with an emphasis on educating the public about the history of lynchings in America.

The city of Carencro has unveiled a historical marker to honor Louis Senegal and Antoine Domingue, two Black men lynched in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Located at 409 Veterans Dr., this memorial is the first of its kind to recognize lynching victims in Lafayette Parish. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the historical context of racial terror lynchings and foster reconciliation within the community.

On March 29, the Lafayette Parish Community Remembrance Project and Move the Mindset commemorated the lives of Senegal and Domingue during an emotional gathering. This historical marker is intended as a lasting tribute to these men, who faced brutal violence reflective of the systemic racism prevalent in the Southern states during that era.

Ola Prejean, president of Move the Mindset, articulated the importance of the event, stating that it reflects on a dark chapter in American history marked by rampant white supremacy. He emphasized that the marker is a valuable resource for educating the public about the legacy of lynching in America, noting that between 1865 and 1950, over 6,500 Black individuals were lynched, including six in Lafayette Parish.

According to Prejean, this marker provides an opportunity for truth-telling and acknowledgment of the histories of Senegal and Domingue, whose stories have typically been omitted from mainstream narratives. He lamented that such historical accounts remain largely unknown, emphasizing the need for community enlightenment about this tragic aspect of the past.

As attendees honored their memories, the ceremony held particular significance for Maya, a descendant of Louis Senegal. She expressed her emotional connection to the unveiling, recognizing the event as a historic moment for her family. Maya wishes to ensure that her children are aware of their historical roots, hoping to impart her family’s legacy as she continues her ancestral research.

The unveiling of the memorial for Louis Senegal and Antoine Domingue in Carencro signifies an important stride towards recognizing and confronting the painful history of racial lynchings. This initiative not only honors the memories of those victimized by racial violence but also serves as a vital educational resource aimed at fostering reconciliation within the community.

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