Chattanooga Community Celebrates Juneteenth at Bessie Smith Cultural Center

 Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Across the nation, Juneteenth is a time to reflect, remember, and rejoice — and in Chattanooga, that spirit was alive and well at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Rain or shine, community members gathered to honor the rich history and enduring legacy of African American culture.

The day was filled with live performances, local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities spread across the museum’s lawn. But for organizers, the true heart of the event was inside — where the museum opened its doors for free, offering powerful exhibits that tell the story of African Americans in Chattanooga and beyond.

“The Bessie Smith Cultural Center today is highlighting Juneteenth through activities on our lawn,” said Elijah Cameron, Director of Community Relations. “But the most important thing is that you get to come to the museum, free, and see the different things about slavery and African American history here in Chattanooga. It’s important to remember Juneteenth because at that time, there were still people in bondage. The day marks the time they were finally free.”

Families, educators, and cultural explorers traveled from all across the region, many driven by a deep sense of pride and a desire to connect with history.

“We’re retired from ministry and we make a point to attend events like this,” said one out-of-town visitor. “It’s a day of freedom — and because of our age, it means a lot to us. Many of us have grandparents who lived through slavery, so it gives us a real sense of pride to be here.”

Whether they came from just around the corner or crossed state lines, visitors say the Juneteenth celebration at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center served as a powerful reminder that freedom must always be remembered, respected, and passed on.