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| More than 30,000 celebrants near and far attend the three-day Juneteenth Urban Music Festival each year. (Photo by Wiley Henry) |
Well, not the kind of “shakin’” the legendary fireball rock and roller
Jerry Lee Lewis sang about, but a kind of foot-tapping, handclapping and finger-popping
that cannot be overlooked when people spring to their feet to respond to a plethora
of music that will reverberate throughout the park during the three-day event.
The event is free, of course, much like the celebration that took place
150 years ago when the slaves in America celebrated with a feast and the sounds
of revelry when they were apprised that President Abraham Lincoln had signed
the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1963, to free them.
In fact, it was two and a half years later on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon
Granger and his Union Soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, to break the news that the
Civil War had ended and that slaves were henceforth free.
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| Last year, a mime performed, silently giving praise to God and his glory. (Photo by Wiley Henry) |
Juneteenth is the oldest-known celebration in the United States marking the
end of slavery. Celebrants all across the U.S. commemorate the freedom of slaves
from inhumane treatment and the yoke of bondage with food, drink, games and
merriment.
This is the 24th year that Juneteenth is being celebrated in
Memphis. The long-running festival is a mainstay and a cultural delight for celebrants seeking historic information about Juneteenth and an
opportunity to revel in the park. Many of them attend the festival year after
year.
The Juneteenth
Urban Music Festival is devoted to Memphis’ rich musical history, which is an
undisputed brand known worldwide and celebrated for its uniqueness and mass
appeal. It has attracted celebrants near and far.
Vendors also will be in the park
selling their products, including a tent with a historian on duty educating the
crowd via pamphlets, placards and banners denoting the origin and history of
Juneteenth and the reason for the ongoing festival.
“If this is your first time
celebrating with us, you’re going to enjoy the festivities,” said Telisa Franklin,
Juneteenth’s CEO and president. “Memphis has a rich musical history and a
plethora of talented artists and musicians.”
If that’s
not enough to get you stirred up, Franklin and her staff
will host the first-ever Memphis Juneteenth Job and Career Fair from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, at Golden Gate Cathedral, 3240 James Rd. Check out
the details at www.memphisjuneteenth.com.
“Bring
your resume and dress for success,” said Franklin.
As a
complement to the three-day festival, some of Memphis’ premiere and upcoming
musicians and entertainers will be recognized and honored for their contribution
to music and the community at the Juneteenth Urban Music Awards Thursday, June
16, at Crowne Plaza Memphis East Hotel, 2625 Thousand
Oaks Blvd.
The
awards show starts at 7:30 p.m. and features international recording artist
Melvia “Chick” Rodgers and live performances by “Big Baby” Tameka Goodman, JROQSOL, Cortney Richardson,
Delvin Crutcher, J.
Lake, Ashton London, and Shenéa the Songstress. Channel 24 on-air personality Yvette Whiteside
and life coach Dr. Sid will host the show.
General
tickets are $10; premiere, $25. Tickets can be purchased at That’s Love Banquet
Hall, 2988 Old Austin Peay; Uncle Lou’s Chicken, 3633 Millbranch Rd.; and
McClain Motors, 1505 Elvis Presley Blvd. Tickets also can be purchased on
Juneteenth’s website at www.memphisjuneteenth.com.
Gospel music is an integral part of
Juneteenth. On Sunday, June 19, the last day of the festival, “Praise in the
Park” will commence at noon. It is an all-day worship experience that crosses
color lines and embodies “One God, One Love, One City.”
Churches
and faith-based groups throughout Memphis are invited to worship in the park
and bring with them a message of hope, faith, reconciliation, unity and praise.
Innovation Church, pastored by the Rev. Marron D. Thomas Sr., will headline
this year’s “Praise in the Park.”
Franklin
noted that music – gospel, R & B, country, rock and roll, hip-hop, blues
and jazz – is an integral part of
Juneteenth, which spun the revelry that celebrants everywhere enjoy during the
month of June.
“We
are here to stay,” said Franklin. “Memphis is a haven for good food,
camaraderie and eclectic music. We won’t forget from whence we came. That’s why
we celebrate Juneteenth – to call attention to the history of African Americans
in this country.”
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