Discovery Park’s education team is hosting a series of presentations for guests to enjoy located in Discovery Park’s Tennessee Room. All events inside Discovery Center are included with general admission or membership.

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19th each year to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The name “Juneteenth” combines the words “June” and “nineteenth” and marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved individuals were free.

Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Emancipation Day. It holds significant historical and cultural importance as it represents the end of slavery and the resilience of African American communities. The holiday serves as a time for reflection, remembrance and celebration of African American heritage and contributions to society.

11:00 a.m., Tennessee Room

The History of Juneteenth and Why We Celebrate Today

Rev. Daryll Coleman, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Lane College

Sounds of Freedom: Performance and History of Spirituals

Vocalists Brenda Davis accompanied by Kaye Hillsman

1:30 p.m., Tennessee Room

Stories of Freedom: Juneteenth Storybook Read-Aloud

Book reading from Discovery Park team members.

Weakley County Reconciliation Project is hosting a Juneteenth celebration with entertainment, vendors and food trucks on the grounds of Discovery Park near the Train Depot. This event is FREE for all guests. The celebration begins at 3 p.m. For more information, click here.