News Summary
Knoxville is gearing up for a vibrant Juneteenth celebration, featuring a parade, special tours, and various community activities. Events include entertainment, local vendors, and workshops for families, reflecting on the significance of freedom and the legacy of African American culture. This celebration not only commemorates emancipation but also promotes education and reflection on ongoing issues of racism and inequality.
Knoxville Prepares for Juneteenth With Festivities, Celebrations, and Community Events
Knoxville is gearing up to celebrate Juneteenth, a significant holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This year’s festivities will unfold throughout the city and East Tennessee communities, with multi-faceted events planned for June 19, 2023, reflecting the importance of freedom and community.
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day, commemorates the historic day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas first learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted in 1863. Union troops arrived in Texas on June 19, 1865, bringing the news that ended slavery in that state. Despite the formal abolition of slavery, the legacy of racism and inequality continues to resonate, making Juneteenth a day for education and reflection.
This year, Knoxville’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade/March and Juneteenth Celebration will take place at Chilhowee Park and Dr. Walter Hardy Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration for the parade will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the parade stepping off at 10 a.m. Festivities will include live entertainment, music, local vendors, and numerous activities suitable for families, allowing attendees to enjoy a day of celebration and community spirit.
In addition to the parade, the Mabry-Hazen House will open its doors for special tours titled “And Then I Became Free: Stories of Emancipation.” These tours will highlight the lives of African Americans connected to the historic house and will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on June 19. Further opportunities to experience these tours will be available on June 22 at noon and 1:30 p.m., with free admission and a limit of 24 participants per tour session.
Meanwhile, the Hamblen County Juneteenth Celebration will begin at 5 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. at the Rose Center. This gathering will feature various food trucks, over 40 vendors, dancing, speakers, and a performance by the renowned musical group The Tams, emphasizing the communal aspect of the holiday.
For younger attendees, the Juneteenth LitKidz Workshop will occur from noon to 1 p.m. at The Bottom, where children will have the opportunity to read the book “Tell Me About Juneteenth,” engage in activities, and receive a copy of the book as a keepsake.
A Juneteenth brunch hosted by CultureCollective HQE will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Smoky’s Tobacco and Cigars, encouraging attendees to wear the colors of red, black, or green as a nod to African and African American heritage.
The Oak Ridge Juneteenth Festival will be another exciting option on June 19, running from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Scarboro Community Center. This festival will feature games, live music, face painting, and a bingo game offering prizes for participants.
Knoxville has recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday for the past two years and a federal holiday for four years, signaling a growing acknowledgment of the holiday’s significance in American history. Throughout the day, many events will provide opportunities for attendees to learn about Black and African American culture and history while reflecting on the impact of slavery and racism in communities. Juneteenth serves as a vital time for recognition, education, and the celebration of freedom.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Preservation Efforts for Blount Mansion in Knoxville
Knoxville Hosts Exciting Events This Week
Knoxville Honors Martin Luther King Jr. with Festivities
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Juneteenth Events 2025
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
- Knox News: Knoxville Juneteenth Celebration 2025
- Google Search: Juneteenth
- Inside of Knoxville: 2025 Festival Planner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
