JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL: DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

The Franklin Justice & Equity Coalition is joining with community partners in the Juneteenth Freedom Week Celebration June 13-19 in downtown Franklin, Tennessee.

Among events scheduled for the week, on Wednesday, June 15, from 3-6 p.m., there will be the first Juneteenth Summit, hosted by Strong Tower Bible Church, coinciding with the release of Juneteenth, a book written by Dorena Williamson, the keynote speaker for event. 

The main 2022 Juneteenth celebration will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the square in downtown Franklin. Presented by Mars Petcare, and hosted by Church of the City, this event is free for the public. All are invited to enjoy food trucks, over 100 vendors, a kid zone, Pet Zone hosted by Mars Petcare, live music, a DJ and some special appearances.

For more information about events during the week check out Brentwood’s Williamson Homepage and Franklin’s Facebook Event post.

Juneteenth is a day of commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, it is often referred to as the Black Independence Day. It is recognized as a state holiday or observance in forty-seven states and the District of Columbia.  Although the push to have it named as a Federal holiday has not been successful, the last four U. S. Presidents have made remarks about its observance. Over the course of 155 years, Juneteenth has become a global event.

Observances are usually community events, including parades, cookouts, picnics, festivals, marches, and prayer vigils. Given the current protests concerning the systemic racism that permeates our American culture – with the focus on police brutality and a biased criminal justice system, June 19^th or Juneteenth takes on special significance. This day is to recognize African American freedom and achievement and take the time to promote and cultivate our appreciation of the diversity of cultures. In recent years, the celebrations have been global, as the sacrifices to achieve freedom are still ongoing.

The state of Tennessee passed legislation in 2007 (Tenn. Code Ann. §15-2-113 (2007) to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.

🌈First Annual Franklin Pride Today

The First Annual Franklin Pride Festival is today, July 31, 2021 at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.

There will be live music, food vendors, as well as artisans, and local business representatives. Sponsors and affiliated nonprofits include Glendale United Methodist Church, Metro Nashville Police Department, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Williamson County Animal Shelter, Log Cabin Republicans of Tennessee, as well as many others!

See the schedule and lists of artisans, vendors, food, and nonprofits at the website.

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL: DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

The Franklin Justice & Equity Coalition is making history with the first Juneteenth Festival in downtown Franklin, Tennessee.

On Saturday, June 19, 2021, the festival will kick off downtown at 10 am and last until 4 pm. There will be live music from two main stages and feature guest speakers.

This event is family friendly, with plenty of food trucks and over 40 vendors.

There will also be a Juneteeth Celebration taking place at Pinkerton Park from noon until 3 pm.

Please visit the City of Franklin calendar for more details as the event gets closer!

Juneteenth is a day of commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, it is often referred to as the Black Independence Day. It is recognized as a state holiday or observance in forty-seven states and the District of Columbia.  Although the push to have it named as a Federal holiday has not been successful, the last four U. S. Presidents have made remarks about its observance. Over the course of 155 years, Juneteenth has become a global event.

Observances are usually community events, including parades, cookouts, picnics, festivals, marches, and prayer vigils. Given the current protests concerning the systemic racism that permeates our American culture – with the focus on police brutality and a biased criminal justice system, June 19^th or Juneteenth takes on special significance. This day is to recognize African American freedom and achievement and take the time to promote and cultivate our appreciation of the diversity of cultures. In recent years, the celebrations have been global, as the sacrifices to achieve freedom are still ongoing.

The state of Tennessee passed legislation in 2007 (Tenn. Code Ann. §15-2-113 (2007) to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.