News Summary
Memphis is hosting a vibrant celebration of Juneteenth with various events throughout the weekend. The highlight is the 32nd Annual Juneteenth Douglass Freedom and Heritage Festival, featuring parades, live art, food competitions, and free community activities. Kicking off with Family Fun Friday, the festival will also include the Pride Parade, Memphis Brew Fest, and Sunset Jazz concert. The National Civil Rights Museum offers free admission in honor of the occasion, alongside educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about Juneteenth.
Memphis Celebrates Juneteenth with Weekend Events and Community Activities
Memphis is celebrating Juneteenth with a series of events and activities this weekend, culminating in the 32nd Annual Juneteenth Douglass Freedom and Heritage Festival, which runs until Sunday. The festival features a heritage parade, a BBQ competition, live art displays, and many other activities. Attendance at the festival is free of charge, inviting all community members to participate in the festivities.
Family Fun Friday Kicks Off Celebrations
Tonight, the festivities will begin with Family Fun Friday at Brent Ferguson Park, starting at 6 p.m. This event includes a variety of free activities for children, carnival rides, and complimentary food for the first 500 attendees. The event promotes family engagement and is designed to create a welcoming environment for residents, concluding at 9 p.m.
Upcoming Events on Saturday
Saturday will be bustling with activities, starting with the annual Pride Parade, which was recently rescheduled. Set to take place from noon until 2 p.m., the parade will begin at 4th and Beale in the historic Beale Street entertainment district, allowing for free attendance.
Additionally, the Memphis Brew Fest will occur at Shelby Farms Park, also beginning at noon. Attendees can enjoy an array of brews, delicious food, and live music. Early bird tickets for the Brew Fest are priced at $55, while general admission tickets are available for $65. This event is restricted to individuals aged 21 and older.
The Orion Financial concert series will also take place on Saturday evening at the Overton Park Shell, starting at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature a diverse lineup of local, national, and international acts, with free tickets available to all attendees.
Sunday Festivities and Museum Admission
On Sunday, residents are encouraged to enjoy Sunset Jazz at Court Square, another free and family-friendly concert series that will include food trucks and live music, providing a perfect opportunity to wind down the weekend.
In honor of Juneteenth, the National Civil Rights Museum opened its doors for free admission on June 19, allowing visitors to explore the museum from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Access was first-come, first-served, with no advance reservations allowed. The museum also hosted a Juneteenth Community Day, which featured live music, exhibits, family activities, and food trucks, underscoring its mission to educate the public about African American history.
Educational Initiatives and Historical Preservation
In addition to the community celebrations, local educators are actively working to promote awareness about Juneteenth. An event titled “Chat, Color and Chew,” hosted by Dr. Telisa Franklin in North Memphis, aimed at educating children about the significance of Juneteenth while providing lunch and coloring books for participants. The effort focuses on teaching young residents the importance of this historical celebration.
Furthermore, Dr. Carnita Atwater oversees a substantial collection of African American artifacts, totaling approximately 150,000 items, housed in a museum dedicated to preserving African American history. Her mission includes educating the community and seeking larger premises for her expanding collection, which serves as a vital resource for understanding the past.
The celebrations surrounding Juneteenth serve not only as a festive occasion but also as an important call to unite and reflect on African American history and culture. With a wide array of events catering to all ages, Memphis residents are encouraged to embrace their heritage and participate in the weekend’s activities.
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Additional Resources
- Local Memphis: Aquifair Educates Memphis Families
- Fox 13 Memphis: National Civil Rights Museum Offers Free Admission
- Choose901: The Mrkt – A Juneteenth Celebration
- WREG: Memphis Celebrates Juneteenth at Main Street Block Party
- Local Memphis: Woman Reflects on Black History Collections
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
- Google Search: Juneteenth
- Google News: Juneteenth
- Google Scholar: Juneteenth
