CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Juneteenth is celebrated each year to commemorate the ending of slavery in the U.S. after the Civil War.
The name combines the month and the day slavery was abolished in all 50 states.
The last enslaved people were freed in Texas on June 19, 1865.
Many Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for more than a century… But, it wasn’t until a few years ago that it officially became a federal holiday in 2021.
Chattanooga is hosting a multitude of events in honor of Juneteenth.
Two events take place in the middle of downtown.
The Unity Group of Chattanooga presents their third annual Juneteenth Parade and Celebration starting at 12:30 p.m. Lineup will meet at Peeples Street.
This event will be followed by a National Juneteenth Freedom Day Gala at Miller Park starting at 2:00 p.m.
Juneteenth Parade and Celebration in downtown Chattanooga. Flier courtesy of the Unity Group of Chattanooga.
You can also celebrate the federal holiday at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on East M.L.K. Boulevard.
They will be giving out free museum tours in honor of Juneteenth.
This Celebration of Freedom event will also include kids activities, food trucks, and music.
A special documentary titled, “Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom” will be featured as well.
You can join in on the celebrations until 6:00 p.m.
Festivities will take place in the 200 block of East Martin Luther Kind Blvd.
Free admission at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on Juneteenth. Flier courtesy of the BSCC.
For a further look into the story behind Juneteenth, check out this article from CBS. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/juneteenth-name-origin-story-behind-holiday-title/
