The Unity Group of Chattanooga have announced its calendar of events for Juneteenth week, June 11-19. The theme on this year is Freedom is not Free: Honoring the Past-Pressing Towards the Future. The Unity Group is identified as a bona fide member of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation.
The NJOF has been recognized as the subject matter experts on Juneteenth by the Library of Congress and the 400 Year Commission on African-American History.
NJOF is a national foundation, including hundreds of local organizations that have been instrumental in the passage of Juneteenth Independence Day legislation in 47 states that observe Juneteenth and the District of Columbia. Under the guidance and work of the National president Steve Williams, and visibility of NJOF board member Opal Lee, NJOF was instrumental in passage of the first federal holiday since Martin Luther King Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, signed June 17, 2021.
"We likewise concur with the 400 year Commission on African-American History when they noted that Juneteenth is an occasion for, Remembering, Recognizing, Re-educating, Reconciling, Redeeming, Restoring, and Rejoicing," said Eric Atkins, co-chair of the Unity Group. "We encourage all community members to join us throughout this week as we educate, celebrate and commemorate the price that was paid to make us all free, and examine the many pathways forward that will help us secure a better tomorrow."
Saturday, June 11, 1 p.m.
"Fathers of Freedom: The United States Colored Troops"
Wreath-Laying and Juneteenth Flag Observance at USCT Monument, Chattanooga National Cemetery
Presenter: Unity Group of Chattanooga
Sunday, June 12, 6 p.m.
“The Story of Juneteenth Observance.”
Presenter: National Juneteenth Observance Foundation
{Via Zoom}
Monday, June 13, 6 p.m.
"Our History, Our Story, Our Origins Genealogy Workshop”
Presenter: Chattanooga-Hamilton County Branch NAACP
{Via Zoom}
Tuesday, June 14, 6 p.m.
"Building A Black Civic Coalition”
Facilitator: Hamilton County Voters Coalition featuring Dr. Sekou Franklin, MTSU Associate Professor of Political Science
{Via Zoom}
Thursday, June 16, 6 p.m.
"Food justice is more than growing food and feeding people."
Presenter: Karen Washington, Co-Founder Black Urban Growers (BUGS)
Friday, June 17, 7 p.m.
"Holy Rage! Revolution, Rebellion, and Reparations!"
Presenter Pastor Charlotte S. N.N. Williams
{Via Zoom}
Saturday, June 18, 4 p.m.
“Juneteenth National Freedom Day Parade"
{Line up begins at 3 p.m. at Carver Recreation Center and will proceed to the Community Haven
for the Juneteenth National Freedom Day Gala}
Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m..
“Juneteenth Commemoration of USCT and Buffalo Soldiers”
Location: Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
*Special Admission in Honor of Juneteenth