Chattanooga Celebrates 160 Years of Emancipation with Exciting Juneteenth Events in 2025
Graphic Courtesy of Unity Group of Chattanooga
In The Know with Gino…
The Unity Group of Chattanooga has announced its comprehensive lineup of events to mark the 2025 Juneteenth Commemoration, honoring 160 years since the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The series of activities aims to celebrate progress, recognize the sacrifices made for freedom, and inspire ongoing efforts toward justice and equality.
The celebration kicks off this Saturday, June 7th, with a solemn tribute at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. At 11:30 a.m., attendees will gather for a wreath-laying ceremony and flag observance at the United States Colored Troops Monument, situated atop the Great Circle of Honor. This event pays homage to the brave soldiers who fought for freedom during the Civil War.
On Sunday, June 8th, the community is invited to participate in “Juneteenth Freedom Sunday” at Historic Bethlehem-Wiley United Methodist Church, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The service will highlight the significance of Juneteenth in the ongoing quest for justice and liberation.
The following Monday, June 9th, a virtual lecture titled “Juneteenth History, Not The Last Day of Slavery, Correcting and Protecting the History & Practical Reparative Justice” will be hosted via ZOOM at 7:00 p.m. The session features Michael Imhotep, founder of The African History Network, who will provide insights into the true history of Juneteenth and discuss reparative justice efforts.
Mid-month, the community will gather on Saturday, June 14th, at The Bethlehem Center for an educational and civic engagement event called “Engaged and Empowered—From the Ballot to the Block: Raising the Level of Voter Awareness,” starting at 1:00 p.m. This event is part of the annual Southside Juneteenth Jubilee, emphasizing the importance of voting rights and civic participation.
On Wednesday, June 18th, at 6:00 p.m., Community Haven will host “Freedom Feeds Us! Planting Seeds of Self-Determination,” an event focused on empowerment and community building, facilitated by the Community Co-op and the Unity Group of Chattanooga.
The culmination of the celebration will take place on Thursday, June 19th, with the Juneteenth National Freedom Day events. The day begins at noon with a screening of the documentary “How to Sue the Klan” at New Zion Baptist Church, led by the Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation. Later that afternoon, the community will assemble for the traditional Juneteenth Parade, with line-up starting at 3:30 p.m. on Peeples Street, and the parade itself beginning at 4:00 p.m. The festivities will conclude with the Juneteenth National Freedom Day Remix at Miller Park at 5:00 p.m., featuring music and cultural performances.
This year’s lineup underscores the importance of understanding Juneteenth’s history, celebrating African American heritage, and fostering ongoing dialogue about justice and equity. The Unity Group of Chattanooga hopes these events will inspire community members to reflect on the past while actively shaping a more just future.
SOURCE: Chattanooga Pulse
