Juneteenth doesn’t just celebrate freedom–for so many Black Memphians (and Black communities across the nation), it’s a day to unapologetically celebrate Black joy, expression, accomplishment and so much more. From the movers and shakers who are leading the path to a better and brighter Memphis to the young Memphians ready to make their mark on our city and the world, this day is all about celebrating the legacies they’re creating.

Here’s a history lesson for you. Nationwide slavery was officially ended on June 19th, 1865 and this comes two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. On this day, Major General Gordon Granger along with his Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the war had ended and enslaved people were now free.

Join the Conversation

In celebration of Juneteenth, We Are Memphis is focusing on sharing stories from our Black community. While the holiday commemorates freedom, for so many Black Memphians (and Black communities across the country), it’s so much more! With the many stories and perspectives to share, we’ve sat down with the city’s favorite creatives, influencers, civic leaders, and more to highlight their stories of freedom of expression, joy, and living unapologetically.

Want to get in on the conversation? Share your story with us! Use #bringyoursoul and #wearememphis!

Black Music Month

We all know that Memphis wouldn’t be the musical city we all know and love without the generations of contributions from Black musicians. President Jimmy Carter created Black Music Month in 1979 and, now, we’re using this month to celebrate all of the talented Black musicians in the city. Of course, in Memphis, honoring our city’s musical legacy is a 365-day thing. From iconic gospel and blues singers to the many rappers and soulful R&B artists that called the M home, we’ve got a lot to be proud of!

Organizations

Whether you want to donate your time or your money, these are some local organizations that focus on community, advocacy, and the arts for this city and its citizens:

Community

• JUICE Orange Mound
• Memphis Urban League
• Memphis Artists for Change
• NAACP Memphis

Advocacy

• Black Business Association of Memphis
• Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum
• MLK 50
• Memphis Black Business Directory
• Buy 901

Arts

• Hattiloo Theater
• Memphis Black Arts Alliance
• Collage Dance Collective
• Memphis Slim Collaboratory

Historical Sites

Since Juneteenth is a national holiday, you won’t need to take time off work to enjoy one of these local landmarks. Here are some sites that honor Black history right here in Memphis:

• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
• Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
• The Withers Collection
• Mason Temple
• Ida B. Wells Plaza and Statue
• I AM A MAN Plaza
• Stax Museum

The post Celebrating Juneteenth and Black Music Month in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Events 

There are many events happening in the month of June, all the way to Juneteenth itself. Here are a few, including some that will be great for bringing the whole family:

• TONE’s Juneteenth Weekend – Thursday, June 15 from Sunday, June 18
• Juneteenth Family Empowerment Fair – Thursday, June 1st, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Ed Rice Community Center
• Juneteenth the Musical Stage Play – Saturday, June 10th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Halloran Centre
• Women of Soul – Sunday, June 11th at 7:30 PM at the Halloran Centre
• Memphis Juneteenth Community Baby Shower and Empowerment Luncheon – Sunday, June 11th, from 1:00 Pm to 3:00 PM at The Kent
• 30th Anniversary Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon – Thursday, June 15th, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Holiday Inn – University of Memphis
• Juneteenth Freedom Walk/Run – Saturday, June 17th at 8:00 AM, Health Sciences Park
• Juneteenth Festival – Saturday, June 17th, and Sunday, June 18th, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Health Sciences Park
• Juneteenth Shop Black Festival – Monday, June 19th, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Fourth Bluff Park

Organizations

Whether you want to donate your time or your money, these are some local organizations that focus on community, advocacy, and the arts for this city and its citizens:

Community

• JUICE Orange Mound
• Memphis Urban League
• Memphis Artists for Change
• NAACP Memphis

Advocacy

• Black Business Association of Memphis
• Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum
• MLK 50
• Memphis Black Business Directory
• Buy 901

Arts

• Hattiloo Theater
• Memphis Black Arts Alliance
• Collage Dance Collective
• Memphis Slim Collaboratory

Historical Sites

Since Juneteenth is a national holiday, you won’t need to take time off work to enjoy one of these local landmarks. Here are some sites that honor Black history right here in Memphis:

• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
• Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
• The Withers Collection
• Mason Temple
• Ida B. Wells Plaza and Statue
• I AM A MAN Plaza
• Stax Museum

The post How to Commemorate Juneteenth in Memphis  appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Here is a quick guide about what to expect for the week’s festivities:

July 15th

The series of events will begin on Thursday at 7 PM  with a movie screening of the popular 1997 film, B.A.P.S. Attendees are to wear B.A.P.S-themed and 90’s attire and come with the same energy as the cast members of the movie.  At the midtown Malco Studios Theatre, TONE expects to see long nails, expressive clothing, and updos similar to BAPS’ stars, Nisi and Mickey. You can get your tickets here!

July 16th

Everyone knows that a family reunion is not a family reunion without a round or two of spades! As you may know, playing a game of spades is a favorite activity in the Black community, and it’s only right to celebrate the occasion by showing off your skills! Not only will Tone be hosting a broad selection of games, light food, drinks, and deejays at the party at their Orange Mound gallery, but there is a $200 prize involved as well! So be sure to show up and compete for the money AND the bragging rights! To play, sign up here!

July 17th 

Saturday will be the city’s chance to be themselves and show up B.A.P.S and Bridgerton, Gala style! TONE Memphis released amazing visual marketing videos stating that they wanted to see Memphians in grillz and their best gala attire for a night of fashion, music, and plenty of drinks. The June 17 gala begins at 6:30 p.m., and the after-party starts at 9 p.m. and lasts until midnight. The gala and after-party tickets range from $50-$150.

July 18th

Last, but not least, what everybody is waiting for is the Juneteenth Music Festival! Music is our city’s most prized possession, and everyone knows that a city celebration isn’t a celebration for us unless it involves music. With that being said, the festival’s lineup will include some of the city’s best acts such as Memphis Legend, Project Pat, Duke Deuce, and Grammy-nominated producer Hitkidd. Other Memphis creatives on the lineup include Mafia 9, Idi X Teco, Talibah Safiya, The Goddessie, Ashley Ave, and more. This festival will also be a step toward new Memphis history as it will be held in the Orange Mound Tower. While many know that Orange Mound was the first black neighborhood built by black people, a few of Memphis’ greatest creatives came together to make one of its most important landmarks much more than what it once was. TONE’s Co-Founder, Victoria Jones, partnered with Unapologetic’s owner, IMAKEMADBEATS, to get The Orange Mound tower back up and running. The two have plans of making the grand area a space for Black entrepreneurs and creatives to do what they do best. This year’s Tone Juneteenth festival will be the city’s first introduction to the new space and has already drawn a number of natives’ attention. 

With that being said, lots of history is being made in the midst of all the fun and you don’t want to miss out on the city’s biggest Juneteenth weekend.

We hope you got your tickets and we hope to see you there!

The post TONE Brings Memphis a Juneteenth Family Reunion appeared first on We Are Memphis.

After years of talking about Juneteenth, last year, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on June 17, 2021, recognizing Juneteenth as an official federal holiday after the House passed legislation that establishes June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Juneteenth celebrates the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.

With cookouts, festivals, concerts, exhibits and more it’s a celebration for all to celebrate and learn more about why Juneteenth is so special. The holiday is quickly approaching and here are a couple of events you can add to your calendar and ways to commemorate the day.

Attend a Celebration!

• Honoring the United States Colored Troops 29th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Douglass Park is a three-day event, starting on Friday, June 17th and wrapping up on Sunday June 19th.

Friday is Kids and Seniors Day, which will include a fashion show and history museum from 9am-1pm, a petting zoo from 10am-1pm, and a tribute to comedian Stephon Smith from 4pm-7pm. Morning yoga, chair massages, face painting, swimming, senior bingo, kid’s games, children’s book readings and much more fun!

Saturday is Main Stage Day. Which will include a long list of performances and activities. The headliner is Phoenix Star and they’ll be gracing the stage at 6pm. FAYRO, Miss Joyce, the Soul Outsiders Band, Forever Jay, F.O.E. and many more acts.

Sunday is Tribute & Honors Day. An art auction begins at 2pm, followed by a Flag Raising Ceremony and Allen Conner’s – Father’s Day Tribute at 6pm.

Juneteenth Poetry Slam presents Rhymes on the River on June 17th at 7pm at Fourth Bluff Park- Downtown. This event is free and open to the public. Come out and enjoy poetry and spoken word from some of the best poets in the city, while enjoying the view of The Mighty Mississippi.

• The Memphis Grizzlies are hosting The Juneteenth Freedom Festival on June 18th. 

The Memphis Juneteenth Festival is held each year in Memphis for a fun-filled weekend.  You can expect electric music, entertainment, vendors, activities for seniors, kids and more.

• Orange Mound Tower: Juneteenth Family Reunion Festival

Tone champions black art and culture in Memphis.

Duke Deuce will be headlining the festival, along with artists like Producer Hitkidd and Singer Talibah Safiya. Celebrate Juneteenth at the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Music    Festival with live music, vendors and more. It starts at 5pm-11pm at The Orange Mound Tower, 2205 Lamar Ave. 

Buy from Black-Owned Businesses!

• Cynthia Daniels presents Juneteenth Shop Black Festival at The Pipkin Building.

On Sunday, June 19th, enjoy a day of shopping with 100 black-owned businesses indoors and live performances from Gerald Richardson, Carmen Hicks and Courtney Little.

• Participate in Whitehaven’s Black Restaurant Week

The theme for the week is “Spend with Intent” and that’s the perfect mindset to have when shopping/dining around town. Click this link to learn more!

Show Up and Show Out!

• Memphis Juneteenth presents the Greek Yard Show on Saturday, June 18th @ 6PM at Health Sciences Park.  

Come and represent the Founders of your Fraternity/Sorority. Wear your colors and paraphernalia and be a part of history with the Memphis Juneteenth Greek life experience. Calling all old school & new school greeks to show up and stroll. 

You may also be interested in: Virtual Workout Classes: Memphis Fitness

The post Celebrate Juneteenth in the 901 This Year! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

 Miles Thomas always knew there was something special about him. A creative, he admires the genius of Kanye West and Chance The Rapper, but not just for their lyrics and production, but their involvement in multiple venues.  

After transferring back home to Memphis from Belmont, Miles knew he had some work to do here in his hometown and soon created Corner Store Market, an online boutique cultural hipster hub where he sells his designs on t-shirts for the everyday urban hipster. Now, with his designs reaching influencers such as PJ Morton and Kenneth Whalum, III, Miles is in his bag and his joy illuminates throughout his brand.  

 When you think of the phrase “Black joy,” what does that mean to you? How do you look for moments of joy in your daily life?  

Black Joy to me is finding joy in your identity and who you were divinely created to be. It’s being happy about the skin that everyone else sees everyday, a skin that has been led to believe it ain’t beautiful at all. Finding the beauty in who we are uniquely made to be and not hiding it from the world, that’s black joy.  

Thinking about the community around you, how do they give you joy or help you pursue your own?  

The community around me, especially in the city, has shown me the beauty in being authentic. Not forcing or trying to fit a circle into a square hole, but letting others conform to whoever you are. Being ok with where you come from, how you talk, the little things that make you whoever you are. Being able to tell the difference in everyone from the city, there’s beauty in that, because it forces you to have to be ok with who you are. We can sense fake, and you’ll be isolated more with fake way more than you will ever be with authenticity, especially in Memphis.  

 Think about the thing, people, or Memphis-related place that brings you the most joy or allows you to be who you are. How does that thing, person, or place do that for you?  

I think it’s the FedexForum specifically the Grizzlies games that you can really see people be whoever they are. That’s when you see the city, and I mean you really see the city come out. It brings me peace despite all the stress that goes into watching a Grizzlies game. You can be whoever you are, it’s no force to be cool, or to be fit in. You’re sitting there rooting for the team that represents you. However you wanna dress at the game, however you want to talk, act, it’s cool, because we are all there for one common goal, rooting on the team who represents us. That to me brings me peace because it shows a lot about us as a city, it doesn’t really matter who it is, we might have idsues within each other, or we might be going through whatever within the city, but when it’s time to root for and encourage someone who’s representative of us, we will be there.  

 How does Memphis (think the city, the community, the places here that you find the most peace) allow you to express yourself?  

 Honestly, it’s crazy to look back and see how much Memphis has influenced my art. When I design a tee shirt, I think about Memphis first, and how the style of the hustlers who live in Whitehaven or the style of the suburban kid in Germantown, how those can coexist at the same time, how they could both be touched by my expression. Some of the ways I express myself, only people who are from Memphis would understand the little details and that’s cool. I never would have made some of the t shirts I have without seeing the authenticity of Memphis showing me that whoever I am or however I am feeling, that’s what has to go into the world.  

 For the younger Black generations, what is your greatest piece of advice for living unapologetically or pursuing passions or joy? 

Life is long. The more you apologize for whoever you are, the more you let people tell you what your passion and individual joy should be, the more you let people shape that, the longer life feels and the longer life gets. You have to find your own joy and your own passions, that’s accomplished through trial and error, it’s not dependent on someone else’s expectations. Expectations kill relationships, so those relationships will naturally die in due time. However you can’t sacrifice yourself in order to save relationships. Removing those expectations will help you find joy and passion in a way that’s unimaginable.  

You may also be interested in: Dr. Isaac Rodriguez and Kayla Graff: Co-founder of SweetBio

The post Celebrating Juneteenth: Miles Thomas – Black Boy Joy  appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Memphis is the mecca for black history and the fight for freedom in America. Juneteenth marks the very end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the date of June 19, 1865, when the last African-American slaves held in Confederate states were finally freed by the Union army.

Celebrate Juneteenth in the 901 this weekend by supporting the listed events. These festivities serve as a safe space to exist in the fullest expression of yourself, as human, free and worthy of  the joy of  liberation.

Memphis Juneteenth Family Reunion

June 19th at 5:00 pm 

TONE in partnership with We Are Unapologetic has curated a night of musical performances, food trucks, games, and more, all to celebrate the legacy and freedom of those who came before us. The Family Reunion is to sew the seeds of possibility into our community through purposeful and thoughtful interactions in a creative atmosphere. We hope to see you there!

The Memphis Juneteenth Festival

June 18 – 19 at 10:00am

The Memphis Juneteenth Festival (The Juneteenth Urban Music Festival) is moving from the historic Robert R. Church Park on Beale Street to Health Sciences Park, where the slave trader, founder of the Ku Klux Klan and confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife were buried. This year’s festival will be observed June 18 and 19 and will feature live music, a car show, a kids zone, freedom run and walk, and so much more.

Inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Ride

June 19th at 8:00 am

Major Taylor Memphis along with Memphis River Parks Partnership presents the Inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Ride. They offer multiple routes/distances of 23, 44 & 63 miles with supported SAG stops. The mission of the Major Taylor Memphis cycling club is to promote a healthy lifestyle, sense of community and local partnership through various levels of cycling. Taylor who in 1899 became the first African American World champion cyclist MTM is dedicated to making each ride a safe, fun and enjoyable learning experience. Click here for more!

Juneteenth : A Celebration and A Conversation

June 19th at 10:00am

The LeMoyne-Owen College National Alumni Association is planning a celebration for Juneteenth! They will jump-start the morning with the inaugural Magician’s Ride Bike-A-Thon, followed by a day filled with food, a health fair, a symposium, a re-enactment, and give-a-ways. Click here for more info!

The Juneteenth Shop Black Festival

June 19th at 11:00 am

For the 2nd year, this festival will celebrate black excellence with food trucks/vendors, live entertainment, vendors from all over the city, and fun for the entire family. The Juneteenth Shop Black Festival will be held downtown at Fourth Bluff Park– Block Party style. COVID 19 guidelines will be followed to ensure everyone’s safety. This will be a free event starting at 11:00am until 6:00pm. The list of local businesses includes Pop’s Kernel, Lennox Watches, Chef Tam’s Underground Café and more. 

For more information on Juneteenth Shop Black Festival, click here!

Shop Black Memphis

June 19th at 1:00pm

Shop Black Memphis is a celebration of black small business owners. Our goal is to provide opportunities and resources for Black Owned Businesses to increase visibility and revenue. This is a celebration of Juneteenth and Black owned entrepreneurs and small businesses. This event will showcase a variety of businesses and their products in an outdoor market atmosphere that is free and open to the public. It is an opportunity to purchase unique, exclusive items from local vendors and support the local community. Click here for more info!

 Memphis Vegan Festival

June 20th at 11:00 am

As more Memphians are choosing plant-based lifestyles, Cynthia Daniels & Co. launches The Memphis Vegan Festival. The festival will feature a fun experience around healthy food.  Memphis Vegan Festival will be a free event held downtown at Fourth Bluff Park, 12:00pm 5:00pm. Patrons can look forward to a day full of vegan food, live entertainment, and a  marketplace featuring local businesses, plant-based health & beauty products, clothing and  accessories. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed to ensure everyone’s safety. The list of local  businesses includes Speed Vegan Magic Food Bus, The Vegan Mom, Shroomlicious Meals, Guilt Free Pastries and more. 

For more information on Memphis Vegan Festival, click here! 

Other Juneteenth Festivities:

Juneteenth at Butteriffic Bakery & Café at Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe

Juneteenth Celebration at Craft Axe Throwing

You might also be interested in: Senior Pet Adoption Month in Memphis

The post We Outside This Juneteenth! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

The post Celebrating Juneteenth: Carl Bledsoe Jr. appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Want to get in on the conversation? Share your story with us! Use #bringyoursoul and #wearememphis. We’ll be reposting stories throughout the month!

You may remember the interview we did with Sarai on the Keep Blooming GARMENTS collection! Click here to check it out!

Sarai Payne

When you think of the phrase “Black joy,” what does that mean to you? How do you look for moments of joy in your daily life?

“Black Joy” to me means being happy unapologetically as a black person without worrying what someone else may think or perceive how I choose to be happy and express myself. Black joy can be me being happy in any form, such as me wearing a bonnet :), feeling like I’m the shit without worrying how someone may interpret it.

Thinking about the community around you, how do they give you joy or help you pursue your own?

They motivate me, seeing people make a way out of no way and being happy with what they have always put things into perspective for me and motivates me to find ways of happiness. Seeing others happy always makes me happy.

Think about the thing, people, or Memphis-related place that brings you the most joy or allows you to be who you are.

My family Unapologetic. brings me joy, I love them folks mane lol like forreals. My blood family also brings me joy as well. Being able to be myself around them does that for me, I don’t have to apologize for being who I am, or shrink myself to be a certain way and I love it.

How does Memphis (think the city, the community, the places here that you find the most peace) allow you to express yourself?

The places I frequent actually value that you come as you are. I truly find peace in communities where they are accepting of every type of black person, and not the ones who fit a certain “mold”.

For the younger Black generations, what is your greatest piece of advice for living unapologetically or pursuing passions or joy?

I know it’s wayy easier said than done, but I will say stay away from people, or places who may make you feel like you being who you are is a problem. As long as it’s not harming anyone, be you. Also, this may sound morbid so I apologize, but do keep in mind that you’re going to die one day so you really shouldn’t care what someone thinks too much honestly.

You might also be interested in: Live Music Memphis Tonight 

The post Celebrating Juneteenth: Sarai Payne appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Want to get in on the conversation? Share your story with us! Use #bringyoursoul and #wearememphis. We’ll be reposting stories throughout the month! 

Amanzi Arnett, Tone Partnership Coordinator

When you think of the phrase “Black joy,” what does that mean to you? How do you look for moments of joy in your daily life?

Black joy means finding laughter in any situation, fighting the pressure to always be resisting or protesting, and making other Black people smile. I look for moments of joy in the quiet moments in life.

Thinking about the community around you, how do they give you joy or help you pursue your own?

 My community brings me joy through shared laughter and by everyone striving to be better versions of ourselves. They help me pursue my own joy by reminding me of the best parts of me.  

Think about the thing, people, or Memphis-related place that brings you the most joy or allows you to be who you are.

When I think of Memphis joy, I think of summers in the Mound. Fourth of July family functions on Beverly Street. I also think of the river and all the stories it holds.

How does Memphis (think the city, the community, the places here that you find the most peace) allow you to express yourself?

Memphis shows up in my way of expression by keeping me grounded and reminding me where and who I come from.

For the younger Black generations, what is your greatest piece of advice for living unapologetically or pursuing passions or joy?

A piece of advice I would give in regards to pursuing passions or joy is to make sure you figure out what that means for yourself. It can be easy to compare yourself to others, but real joy is knowing who you are, being firm in that, and finding people like you who support the truest version of you. 

You may also be interested in: Almetria Turner: Memphian Profile

The post Celebrating Juneteenth: Amanzi Arnett appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Want to get in on the conversation? Share your story with us! Use #bringyoursoul and #wearememphis. We’ll be reposting stories throughout the month! 

Victoria Jones, Tone Executive Director

When you think of the phrase “Black joy,” what does that mean to you? How do you look for moments of joy in your daily life?

It means perseverance, it means strength, it means revolution. It means despite it all (ie slavery, jim crow, segregation, mass incarceration, systemic oppression, redlining, the list goes on) you found yourself hopeful enough to be joyful, and that’s revolutionary. 

Thinking about the community around you, how do they give you joy or help you pursue your own?

My people expressing themselves unapologetically (major s/o to the UNAPOLOGETIC. fam) brings me joy and in their expression I find the bravery to pursue my own expression. 

Think about the thing, people, or Memphis-related place that brings you the most joy or allows you to be who you are.

How does that thing, person, or place do that for you? A Collage performance – every.single.time. Sitting in a dark, cool theater (pre-covid) watching ballet come to life in Black bodies has not only brought me immense joy, but stretched what I believed to be about dance and the ways we can show up in it. 

How does Memphis (think the city, the community, the places here that you find the most peace) allow you to express yourself?

Memphis is where I found my voice, my purpose. This city has given me my toughest lessons as well as my most rewarding victories. I learned who I was and how to express myself in this city.

For the younger Black generations, what is your greatest piece of advice for living unapologetically or pursuing passions or joy?

Go for it, with everything you have, go for it.

You might also be interested in: Celebrating Juneteenth: Sarai Payne

The post Celebrating Juneteenth: Victoria Jones appeared first on We Are Memphis.