In downtown Chattanooga, what is now M.L. King Boulevard was once known as 9th St.
Back then, it was the heart of the city’s Black community during segregation - and a musical magnet for blues, jazz, R&B and soul.
Bessie Smith sang the blues on what was called “The Big 9.”
Now, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center at 200 E. M.L. King Boulevard is preparing its free events for the community for this Juneteenth.
On Friday, from 11 AM to 5 PM, it presents “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom.”
On Saturday, from 3 PM to 10 PM, the center once again hosts “Bessie Smith’s Big 9 Music Fest.”
Elijah Cameron is vice president of operations at The Bessie.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
