The Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Festival commemorates the date – June 19, 1865 – when the slaves in Galveston, TX first received word of the Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery. The word was received by the slaves 6 months after it was originally issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. Today, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and highlights education and achievement.
The weekend will kick-off with a Black Tie Gala at the Memphis Hilton Hotel Saluting African American Educators. The Family Talent Show, Car Show and Fashion Show will be the highlight of Saturday afternoon in Douglass Park.
The weekend will culminate with a worship service hosted by First Baptist Broad Church in conjunction with Raleigh Assembly of God. Praise in the Park will host their service Sunday, June 17 at 12 PM. In the South, Sunday is a racially divided day with praise and worship services and the Multicultural Praise Fest aims to unite the racially divided city with everyone serving one God together. The Praise Fest will feature the best of Memphis’ church choirs and the presentation of the winners of the Blue Cross, Blue Shield Healthy Church Challenge. The Praise Fest will be concluded with a performance by Dove, Grammy and Stellar Award Nominee Kim Stratton. Stratton will perform her Donald Lawrence produced hit, “Favor Ain’t Fair”.
For up to date information and to make reservations visit our website at www.juneteenthmemphis.org or call 901.324.5945.
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