CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Manifest Magic: Black Girl Cooperative is coordinating the city of Clarksville’s first annual Juneteenth festival.

The Clarksville Juneteenth Festival will be held on June 19 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center and Amphitheater.

“We want to see a community that celebrates our diversity and embraces our differences as an opportunity to learn, uplift and empower,” said Juanita Charles, one of the event organizers and founder of Manifest Magic. “We will use this opportunity to engage and break down racial and cultural barriers.”

Clarksville and Montgomery County both recently voted to recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday for local government workers. The first official Juneteenth commemoration was celebrated in 1866 by formerly enslaved people singing, dancing and feasting after the last enslaved people were freed in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, by Union soldiers a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

“It is important that all residents of Clarksville know that they are welcomed to attend and be a part of a momentous event,” said April Sledge, Events Committee chairwoman. “Juneteenth is a part of America’s forgotten history. It is essential that we expose all Americans to the importance of the African American influence on society.”

Events during the celebration include a Black business expo, a spades tournament, an art gallery, a bounce house, giveaways and more.

An “Our Voices” author workshop will also be held during the festival, curated by C. Monet Snow and Sharee Moore.

The outside amphitheater area will feature acts from comedian DJ Pryor as well as musicians C-Funq and the Tina Brown Band.

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed to assist with the event. You can earn up to 12 volunteer hours and free meals from Smoove’s Grill. Volunteer hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To sign up, go to https://www.juneteenthfestivalclarksville.com/

Manifest Magic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black women. According to their website, the organization actively participates in local growth and development and ensures that Black women are able to participate in that growth

For additional information on the event or to become involved, visit juneteenthfestivalclarksville.com