Celebrating Nine Days of the Juneteenth Festival in Chattanooga

Chattanooga, Tennessee is gearing up to honor the historic Juneteenth holiday with a nine-day festival organized by the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas. For those who might not know, Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States. The festival, now in its seventh year, promises plenty of cultural enrichment activities, reflecting and celebrating the narratives of the Black experience.

Festival Lineup

Several exciting events are set to take place during the festival. Here’s the full lineup for the upcoming nine-day celebration:

Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photography

The festival will commence on Thursday, June 6 with an exceptional photography exhibition titled ‘Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photography.’ The exhibition will feature works by CreativeSoul Photography, winner of the 2024 NAACP’s Image Award.

Art CHATT

On the third day of the festival, Saturday, June 8, Art CHATT will present themes of ‘Black Joy’ expressed through creative visuals and captivating performances by the Juba Dance Ensemble.

Juba Dance Ensemble

On Friday, June 14, Chattanooga residents and visitors will have an opportunity to experience a divergent dance-showcase from Traditional African rhythms to contemporary hip-hop beats performed by the Juba Dance Ensemble.

Juneteenth Freedom Run + Walk

The festival will honor the advocacy work of Opal Lee on June 15, with a Juneteenth Freedom Run and Walk. Participants can take part in a range of activities including a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and a one-mile walk.

Father’s Day Brunch + Concert

The day after, on Sunday, June 16, a Father’s Day Brunch and Concert will be held for the public to enjoy a meal catered by Davis Wayne’s. Music will be provided by Nashville-based B. Harvey and Team.

Juneteenth Commemoration Ceremony

A Juneteenth Commemoration Ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, featuring the exquisite vocal stylings of the Inversion Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of four-time Emmy-nominated composer Dave Ragland.

Oscar Micheaux Black Film Festival

The festival continues on June 20 and 21 with the Oscar Micheaux Black Film Festival screening “How to Sue the Klan” by local filmmaker John Beder alongside an educational session on the legacy of the Chattanooga Five.

Scratching Your Roots & Legacy Music Festival

The final day of the festival, Saturday, June 22, will include Scratching Your Roots, a genealogy gathering run by the Black Genealogy Society for those of African descent interested in tracing their ancestral roots. The day will then transition into the Legacy Music Festival, offering lawn games, a live DJ, and a spectacular performance by headliner Kim Thomas at 8 p.m.

Celebrating its seventh year, the Chattanooga Juneteenth Festival, organized by the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas, continues to provide an enriching cultural space for reflection, celebration, and the amplification of narratives central to the Black experience.

For more updates and information on Juneteenth Festival or any upcoming events, stay tuned to Here News Network.