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Scenic Roots

At The Bessie, A Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration

By Ray Bassett
Published June 18, 2025 at 8:53 PM EDT
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center in downtown Chattanooga.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center in downtown Chattanooga.

This year’s Juneteenth parade in Chattanooga will pass in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, dedicated to this city’s African-American history and music.

Elijah Cameron with The Bessie shares how the Center will commemorate Thursday’s holiday, ahead of this weekend’s Big 9 Music Fest.

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For more, visit The Bessie Smith Cultural Center at bessiesmithcc.org and its Facebook page.

Juneteenth Freedom Day 2025 at the Bessie banner.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
CommUNITY Weekend 2025 at the Bessie banner.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

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Ray Bassett
Ray is the host and producer of Scenic Roots, Mondays - Thursdays at 3 PM on WUTC.
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