Several Juneteenth celebrations planned across West Tennessee
JACKSON, Tenn. — Celebrations are planned in many West Tennessee communities as an upcoming holiday approaches.
Commemorating the emancipation of African American slaves, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021 after being celebrated for decades in communities across the U.S.
In West Tennessee, there are several events scheduled to mark the occasion.
In Jackson, the Society of African American Cultural Awareness will be holding the 34th annual Freedom Day Celebration.
It will have vendors, live music, speakers, and the Miss Juneteenth Jackson from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the TR White Sportsplex at 304 North Hays Avenue in Jackson.
“It’s our 34th annual Juneteenth celebration – Freedom Day celebration and it’s being held on Hays Street in front of T.R. White Sportsplex. The event starts at 10 a.m. and it will go all day with speakers and entertainment and we end at 8 that evening,” said Wendy Martin, president of SAACA.
“Our speakers will be providing things that they need to know; talking about things in the community that is of interest to everyone. Just come out and have a great time celebrating our oldest commemoration of the end of slavery in this country,” said Martin.
In Humboldt, the African American Heritage & Music Festival will take place at Viking Park on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18. Organizers say more than 40 vendors have registered for the two-day event, which will include food, music, dancing, contests, art, and much more. Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
In Trenton, there are a series of events the community can participate in. On Friday, June 16, a pre-Juneteenth youth celebration will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Pedestrians Park in downtown. Following on Saturday, Trenton’s main Juneteenth Celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., also at Pedestrians Park. On Monday, June 19, the 4th Annual Juneteenth Family Challenge will kick off at 10 a.m. at 8th Street and Lexington Street. Also in Trenton on June 19, a Juneteenth celebration will be held at the Gibson County Memorial Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In Brownsville, Mayor Rawls will host a Juneteenth Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, June 17. This will begin at 9 a.m. at 709 East Jefferson Street.
Also on Saturday, June 17, Carroll County’s annual Juneteenth celebration will begin with a parade at 10 a.m. at Edwards Park in Huntingdon. This year’s event is expected to include music, fireworks, vendors and more.
“Our celebration is starting at 11, with our vendors, music and fun and DJ. Right after that we’ll have our speakers and the ending will be a big celebration with fireworks,” said Jobina Gordon of the Carroll County Juneteenth Committee.
They will also have informational booths. It is recommended to bring your own lawn chairs.
“This community has really joined together to try to make this event as amazing and as family-oriented as possible,” said Josh Shaw of the Carroll County Juneteenth Committee.
From 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, the Hardeman County Commission for Black History will present the Juneteenth Festival Celebrating Freedom at Sand Beach Lake in Bolivar. The festival will feature food trucks, music, vendors, and a Juneteenth talent show.
If you know of any additional Juneteenth celebrations taking place in West Tennessee, email all details to news@wbbjtv.com to be included in our list.
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