Caden Harris
In response to the growth in Juneteenth celebrations across Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas is taking a "bold and strategic" turn. This year it will introduce “Juniorteenth,” a new youth-centered observance focused on engaging the next generation in the story of the Black diaspora and the legacy of the first humans on the planet, said organizers.
Held at The Howard School on Thursday, “Juniorteenth” features Caden Harris (cadenteaches.com) a nationally recognized 15-year-old financial literacy advocate and CEO of Caden Teaches. Caden will lead a youth financial literacy workshop for 100 preselected students and serve as keynote speaker at the free 8th Annual Juneteenth Commemoration Ceremony. The celebration also includes performances from the Juba Dance Ensemble and the Kings & Queens of Alkebulan, who will uplift African history through dance and theatrical performance.
“With so many organizations now commemorating Juneteenth, we are thrilled to witness our mission taking hold across the city,” said Ricardo Morris, Festival president and CEO. “For us, this is mission accomplished. Now, we are evolving—creating space for our youth to understand their history, their brilliance, and their power. That is the spirit of Juniorteenth.”
The event takes place at The Howard School—a historical institution founded in 1865 to educate formerly enslaved Black students. It is a fitting venue for this new chapter in the Festival’s ongoing commitment to cultural celebration, education and community healing, said offiicals.
Event Details:
10 a.m.-noon Financial Literacy Workshop with Caden Harris (preselected students only)
5:30 p.m. Juneteenth Ceremony featuring keynote and performances, free and open to the public.
The workshop is free for preselected students from local mentoring programs, churches and summer camps.
For more info, call Ric Morris at (423) 883-0178 or visit www.blackartsandideasfest.com
Kings and Queens of Alkebulan