MURFREESBORO, Tenn. —Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved persons in the United States, will be observed with three events this year: Authors Night on June 16, Kaleidoscope on June 17, and the Juneteenth celebration on June 18. All three events will take place at Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center at 415 S. Academy Street and are free to attend.

• Authors’ Night – Thursday, June 16, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Kaleidoscope – Friday, June 17, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Juneteenth Celebration – Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Local authors will discuss their literary works and sign books from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16 This event supports aspiring African American authors in Rutherford County. Authors participating include Diane Brown, Carmen Maples, Margaret McKinley, Mary Watkins, Darryl Webb, Jayda Freemen, Sparkle “Tanika” Robertson and Michael Dillard. Refreshments and giveaways will be offered.

Kaleidoscope will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 17. The event will highlight local vendors, showcasing a diverse group of resources available to the community.

The community is invited to celebrate Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day” on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include a kids’ zone, food vendors, artists, and live music and dancing.

“We have expanded the celebration on Saturday to three blocks instead of just one this year,�� said Vonchelle Stembridge, Facility Coordinator at Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center. “We are excited to create a learning experience to the community to share the importance of this holiday and look forward to our community coming out to celebrate Juneteenth.”

Bradley Academy was built in 1806 as the first school for education of white males only. In 1884, African American students, males and females, were allowed to attend school. The current structure was built in 1917 and opened as the new school for African American students in 1918. Today, Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center is managed by Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information about Juneteenth and Bradley Academy, visit murfreesboroparks.com, or contact Stembridge at 615-962-8773, or vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov.

Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to providing vibrant public spaces and inclusive programs delivered with visionary leadership and caring staff that engage the individual and strengthen the quality of life of our community.