Juneteenth celebrated throughout Clarksville with host of weekend events

Craig Shoup, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle
·2 min read

While it may be a newer federal holiday, Juneteenth is deeply rooted and celebrated in the fabric of American culture.

Juneteenth commemorates the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is the oldest holiday celebrating the freeing of slaves from bondage in 1865. For many, they have recognized Juneteenth as a holiday since.

The day was officially recognized as a federal holiday last year. The City of Clarksville wasted no time in creating events to celebrate the day with festivals and events hosted throughout Clarksville-Montgomery County.

This year will be no different as events grow bigger with several hours of cultural celebrations will occur in the city.

Juanita Charles wears many hats in the area. She's the founder of Clarksville Summit, where community members collaborate to examine local issues. She also organized Juneteenth celebrations in Clarksville.

The weekend has become a celebration of culture, Black voices and a chance for many Clarksvillians a chance to celebrate one of the newest federal holidays.

There is no shortage of events this year, including the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Festival.

Charles said the event will offer attendees health screenings, food venders, music and a celebration of culture. More than 100 vendors will be in attendance at the festival.

Mike Pardue, left, reaches his hand out to his daughter Brooklyn Pardue, 2, to get back to the car at a vendor pop-up event for Black-owned businesses at Train 36ixty in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, June 19, 2020.
Mike Pardue, left, reaches his hand out to his daughter Brooklyn Pardue, 2, to get back to the car at a vendor pop-up event for Black-owned businesses at Train 36ixty in Clarksville, Tenn., on Friday, June 19, 2020.

"We're trying to be very intentional about celebrating culture, to our advancement, to love the beauty of the black culture," Charles said. "We're looking to make sure that we're paying homage to them today."

To Charles, Juneteenth celebrated as a federal holiday gives her a voice.

"I think in some ways, it shows that there is value in our story, in our American experience," Charles said.

In addition to the festival, here is a list of other Juneteenth-related events happening in Clarksville over the holiday weekend.

June 17: Culture Ball, 6-9 p.m. at Civic Hall, 350 Pageant Lane. Tickets are $45.

June 18: U.S. Colored Troops monument, 9 a.m. Unveiling will be held at Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center, 120 Duncan St.

June 18: Juneteenth Festival, 12-9 p.m. at Wilma Rudolph Events Center and Amphitheatre, 8 Champions Way.

June 18: Clarksville Juneteenth Block Party, 12-5 p.m. at Downtown Commons, 215 Legion St.

June 19: BLK Xcellence Brunch, 1-5 p.m. at Wilma Rudolph Event Center and Amphitheatre. Tickets are $75.

June 20: Juneteenth Open Mat, 12-2 p.m. at Renzo Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 327 Warfield Blvd. Suite B. Free and open to the public.

Reach  reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on Twitter @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to TheLeafChronicle.com.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Juneteenth events celebrating culture, freedom in Clarksville