Carencro Honors Lynching Victims with Historical Marker

Carencro recently unveiled a historical marker dedicated to lynching victims Louis Senegal and Antoine Domingue, marking the first recognition of such victims in Lafayette Parish. This effort aims to raise awareness about the history of racial terror and to promote healing within the community, as emphasized by local leaders and descendants of the victims.

The Carencro community has recently unveiled a historical marker honoring Louis Senegal and Antoine Domingue, who were lynched in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Located at 409 Veterans Dr., this marker is the first in Lafayette Parish to commemorate lynching victims. Organizers aim for the marker to enhance awareness of the history of racial terror and foster reconciliation within the community.

On March 29, the Move the Mindset and the Lafayette Parish Community Remembrance Project officially dedicated the marker in remembrance of Senegal and Domingue. This historical installation serves as a lasting tribute to the two men who fell victim to the era of racial violence that afflicted the Southern United States.

Ola Prejean, President of Move the Mindset, emphasized the event’s significance, referring to it as a reminder of a grim chapter in American history when white supremacy influenced the legal system. According to Prejean, the marker will educate residents about Senegal and Domingue’s stories and the extensive history of lynching in the United States, which claimed the lives of over 6,500 Black individuals between 1865 and 1950, with Louisiana reporting at least 615 cases.

Prejean characterized this marker as groundbreaking for Lafayette Parish, portraying it as an opportunity for truth-telling and acknowledgment of the past. “They (Senegal and Domingue) are not written in the history books anywhere. It’s a part of history that many people don’t know,” he noted.

Further reflecting on the communal gathering, Maya Senegal, a descendant of Louis Senegal, marked the occasion as particularly meaningful. “This is a blessing,” Maya expressed, celebrating her connection to her great-great-grandfather. She hopes to pass on this family history to her children, illustrating the importance of maintaining these narratives.

The unveiling of the memorial for Louis Senegal and Antoine Domingue represents a pivotal step in acknowledging the painful history of lynching in Louisiana. Through this marker, the Carencro community seeks to foster awareness and encourage reconciliation regarding past racial injustices. The event not only honors the memory of the victims but also emphasizes the importance of preserving history for future generations.

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