News Summary
The 32nd Annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival took place at Medical District Park, celebrating Black culture and freedom with live music, vendors, and community discussions. Organized by Dr. Telisa Franklin, the festival included over 30 musical acts, a variety of events for all ages, and features notable speakers addressing leadership and community progress. Admission was free, encouraging community participation in honoring the historic emancipation of enslaved people and promoting awareness about freedom and equality.
MEMPHIS – The 32nd Annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival commenced on June 6 and June 7, 2025, at Medical District Park, celebrating Black culture and freedom with a variety of events. The festival, organized by Dr. Telisa Franklin, president and CEO, aims to honor Black music month alongside Juneteenth, which marks the historical emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.
The festival will feature over 30 musical acts, with performances from both local and out-of-state artists. Attendees can also explore a marketplace of vendors offering unique products and services. Various community activities are scheduled to engage participants of all ages, including the “men of impact” event, which will showcase notable speakers such as Commissioner Charlie Caswell and community advocate Will Richardson in a discussion about leadership and community progress.
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, and it is recognized as the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. This festival plays a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of mental and physical freedom as part of the commemoration of this pivotal moment in history.
Admission to the festival is free, and it runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on both days, making it accessible to the entire community. In addition to the main festival acts, Memphis is hosting a variety of other Juneteenth activities to further celebrate this important occasion.
Additional Juneteenth Events in Memphis
- A Black Trivia Game Night at Shaunee’s Place on June 6.
- The Harriet Performing Arts Center will present a performance titled ‘Juneteenth Memphis Matters.’
- LeMoyne-Owen College is hosting a Juneteenth Concert Series with shows planned for June 12, June 19, and June 26.
- The Cordova Library will hold its fourth annual Juneteenth Fest, featuring local businesses.
- Family Storytime is scheduled at the Orange Mound Library on June 16.
- The National Civil Rights Museum will offer a Community Day focusing on health equity with free admission.
- A high-energy music event, “Ladies Love Tapped IN,” will take place at New Daisy, featuring artists Monaleo and Ken The Man.
- The Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Festival at Douglass Park will commemorate “Women of Color.”
These diverse events are designed to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Memphis community while providing educational opportunities and celebrating Black excellence. With activities ranging from music and theater to community discussions and trivia games, the Juneteenth festival and accompanying events aim to foster a deeper understanding of Black history and culture.
The Memphis Juneteenth Festival reinforces the significance of remembering the past while celebrating the ongoing journey towards freedom and equality in the community. As attendees gather to celebrate this historic occasion, they are reminded of the importance of unity and empowerment in the collective pursuit of justice and recognition for Black Americans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis Celebrates a Month of Events This June
Memphis Celebrates Black Excellence with Plant-Based Dinner
Memphis to Host Juneteenth Dinner Celebrating Black Excellence
Annual Tone’s Juneteenth Festival in Memphis: A Celebration of African American Culture and Community Unity
June in Memphis Set to Be Action-Packed with Array of Exciting Events and Activities
Celebrate Juneteenth Weekend in Memphis with Juicy J, Erykah Badu, Curren$y and More, Hosted by TONE
Juicy J and Curren$y Set to Headline 5th Annual Juneteenth Family Reunion Festival in Memphis
Additional Resources
- Action News 5: Juneteenth Baby Celebrations
- The Commercial Appeal: Memphis Juneteenth Festival Events 2025
- Local Memphis: 32nd Annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
- Memphis Flyer: On The Fly – Week of 06/06/24
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
