Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrates the issuance of General Order No. 3 by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger to the people of Texas on June 19, 1865, ordering that all slaves in the state be freed. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been in effect to a limited extent for two years, and although the 13th Amendment (which declared slavery unconstitutional) had been passed by Congress earlier in the year, the slow speed with which information was disseminated meant that many people living in enslavement in Texas did not realize that freedom had come.

While full emancipation across the South did not happen overnight, over time June 19th came to symbolize a date of independence for the formerly enslaved. Beginning in 1866, formerly enslaved men and women in Texas celebrated the first “Juneteeth.” Today, Belle Meade Plantation observes Juneteenth celebrations to honor the more than 136 formerly enslaved individuals who labored on this farm, and to recognize the triumphs of black excellence.

On Saturday, June 22, 2019, we will honor the legacy of African Americans in Nashville by featuring local vendors, artists, speakers, authors, and performances. We would also like to thank the Tennessee Human Rights Commission for their donation to admit 50 African Americans to the event. If you would like to contribute, you can find a donation link at the bottom of the page.

• Hosted on the grounds of Belle Meade Plantation June 22, 2019 from 10am-3pm
• This event is free with any paid admittance to the property.
• For more information please contact: Brigette Jones- Director of African American Studies Brigette.jones
  @bellemeadeplantation.com
• We would like to thank Tennessee Human Rights Commission for their donation to admit 50 individuals to the event.
• We would also like to thank Hoskins & Company their sponsorship for 10 African Americans to attend the event.