The Unity Group and Coalition Partners are making preparations for the Juneteenth National Freedom Day Parade 2023. The parade will take place on Monday, June 19.
Participants will assemble on Peeples Street at 12:30 p.m. and the parade will begin at 1 p.m. It will proceed down E. MLK Boulevard, ending at Miller Park, where the Juneteenth National Freedom Day Gala will feature music, education, entertainment, food and youth activities.
Juneteenth is the oldest and most continuous African-American holiday. It marks the occasion when General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in 1865 which informed America's last slaves that they were in fact free. In 2021, Juneteenth became an official national holiday after many years of tireless advocacy. On April 20, HB 317 (SB 269) passed through the Tennessee State House and now awaits the governor’s signature. It will make Juneteenth a legal holiday in the State of Tennessee.
Churches, organizations, youth groups and the community at large are invited to be a parade participant this year. The theme, “Wave of Freedom”, will highlight freedom and emancipation dates, individuals, and events throughout America’s history.
The parade will culminate the week-long Juneteenth Commemoration.