Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of African-Americans from slavery after the end of the Civil War.
This year’s holiday on Friday takes place two weeks and one day before this country celebrates its 250th anniversary on July 4th.
Here in Chattanooga, a citywide Juneteenth weekend begins on Friday and runs through Sunday.
Community organizations are joining together to present their events as “United We Stand: Chattanooga’s Juneteenth Celebration.”
On Friday, the annual Juneteenth Parade lines up at 11:30 AM on Georgia Avenue.
At 12:45 PM, an Emancipation Proclamation Ceremony and Program will be held at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church at 809 E. M.L. King Boulevard, followed by a screening of the documentary How to Sue the Klan.
At 7 PM, LAUNCH’s Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga hosts KIC Nights: Juneteenth at 5704 Marlin Road.
More events are set for Saturday and Sunday.
Ric Morris is the founder and CEO of the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts and Ideas.
Eric Atkins is co-chair of the Unity Group of Chattanooga.
