Community celebrates Juneteenth at 3-block party in Murfreesboro
Colorful clothing, energetic dancing and a variety of live music were abundant at Murfreesboro's Juneteenth festival on Saturday at the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center.
As the event spanned three blocks, community members, families, vendors, dance troupes and artists gathered to celebrate the history of Juneteenth.
Vendor booths reached as far as the eye could see, selling everything ranging from clothes to art to holistic bath products and more.
Bunmi Sam O'sesin, one of the vendors, was at the event to sell her handmade clothing. "Tide Accesories", the name of O'sesin's business, is an African-inspired boutique that sells clothing and other items made from authentic, Black Nigerian fabrics.
"That's why we're here, to make people aware. Regardless if you're Black or white, whatever color you are, we have the same blood," O'sesin said.
To O'sesin, Juneteenth is about Black freedom in America.
On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free, two years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is now a federal holiday commemorating enslaved Black Americans' emancipation and marks the anniversary of those freed in Texas.
Related coverage: Oral histories of Black Middle Tennesseans to be preserved at Gore Center
Jade Beard, an illustrator in Murfreesboro and vendor at the event, said that Juneteenth is "definitely a celebration of our Blackness and coming together, being creative and supporting one another."
Beard explained that she had always been into art and was at the event hoping to inspire other young artists.
"I've been wanting to see Black women do fun, pop, colorful art for a long time. I've never seen that when I was younger," she said.
Beard's art featured various historic African American figures styled in muted tones and pastel colors, usually with a 1960s/1970s aesthetic.
"I just want little girls to be inspired by my artwork," Beard said.
Although the sun was beating down, the expressive dancing found in front of the Bradley Academy Museum entertained most attendees amid the heat.
Restoration Dance Group, from Favored by Grace Ministry, danced passionately to emotional music and spun brightly colored flags in the air.
Amajah Kirk, one of the dance team members, said, "We are a dance group that was sent here, first, to show God's purpose and, also, to be able to express who God is and what we do through dance."
As people danced and the music played, deep drum beats could be heard nearby. Pamela Cotton, a member of Global Walk In Forgiveness, participated in a drum circle in which anyone was welcome to come by and play.
"People come, and they stay a long time and play. They love it," she exclaimed. "They get locked in because the drums are connected directly to the heart."
Dancing to the beat of the music instead of the drums, attendee Martina Stone said she was at the event because she was celebrating her culture.
"I love that it's becoming so nationally known," Stone said. "I'm just really out here to support my people."
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Murfreesboro celebrates Juneteenth with 3-block party
