CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Bethlehem Center is hosting the Juneteenth holiday where community members are celebrating a day full of joy, music, and unity.
Organizers said the event serves as an opportunity for the community to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans while honoring their history, culture, and heritage.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed live music, food trucks, and local vendors while gathering in celebration of unity and community.
Calvin Bland, Education Program Manager, said he hopes younger generations understand the significance of Juneteenth and the sacrifices made by those who came before them.
“What I want our youth to know is where we as people have come from. I want our youth to know that they were born into freedom, and I want them to know that things were different back then. I want them to know about our history, what happened, where we started from, and where we are now.”
Organizers said events like the Southside Juneteenth Jubilee help preserve history while creating opportunities for education and community engagement for future generations.
