Photo from Juneteenth615 on Instagram.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Here's some ways to honor and celebrate African American history and culture in Music City.
National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music is celebrating Black Music Month with a series of events including a Juneteenth Block Party. Join the museum for free on June 18 for NMAAM Community Day and June 19 for the Block Party. Community Day will feature educational program sessions and celebratory activities. The Juneteenth Block Party will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Assembly’s Skydeck at Fifth + Broadway. The block party will include live performances from The Shindellas, ONE the Duo, Mike Floss, Willie Jones, Jeverson, Ray Parker Jr., and DJ set by Mr. Collipark. The twenty-one-and-older event is open to the public and free.
One of Nashville’s biggest Juneteenth celebrations returns with music, food truck fare, a kids corner, and fireworks. Celebrate the national holiday on June 19 at Fort Negley Park. Mayor John Cooper will present a proclamation during the event and Black Civil War reenactors will be on-site to tell Fort Negley’s historical significance. The event is open to the community at large and is held from 6 to 10:30 p.m. The Juneteenth615 platform is powered by the African American Cultural Alliance in collaboration with FELLAVISION and other various community allies.
Cool your weekend down with the Music City Freedom Festival at Hadley Park! Support Black-owned local businesses and creators from the Nashville area on June 18 and 19 from noon to 8 p.m.
Kenect is hosting its second annual Juneteenth Marketplace on June 17 from 3-6 p.m. There will be live music, food, and a variety of local Black-owned businesses to shop and support. Shop, sip, and celebrate Juneteenth.