Murfreesboro announced Tuesday that they would be expanding their Juneteenth celebration to three days – but had nothing for Memorial Day. The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department will oversee the Juneteenth festivities.
For the three-day Juneteenth celebration, the city displayed a specialized logo decorated with a black power fist and Pan-African colors. The announcement and logo were displayed on the city’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. The city didn’t post any announcements about Memorial Day on their website or social media platforms.
Murfreesboro spokespersons told The Tennessee Star that none of the city departments hosted any Memorial Day events – nor have they in the past.
The city explained that they would be hosting an Authors Night, a Youth Night, and a whole Juneteenth celebration at the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center from June 17 to 19. On the first night, aspiring African American authors in Rutherford County will discuss their works and sign books. On the second night, local youth will showcase their creative talents in aspects like poetry, art, and music. The city described the Youth Night as a commemoration of the past, celebration of the present, and hopeful outlook at the future.
The third and final day of festivities will land on Juneteenth itself – the city will have a kids’ zone, food vendors, artists, live music, and dancing at the event.
“We are elated to have the annual festival in person this year,” said Stembridge. “We are excited to create a learning experience to the community to share the importance of this holiday. I am honored to be able to host this event and even more proud of my community coming together to share with Rutherford County and neighboring communities. We look forward to our community coming out to celebrate Juneteenth.”
Murfreesboro’s Memorial Day announcement was a reminder to the public that city officials and services would be taking the day off in observance of the holiday. The city added information about “The Healing Flags of Remembrance,” an event hosted by the Exchange Club of Murfreesboro, a nationally-associated charitable organization.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Murfreesboro” by Murfreesboro.
Juneteenth is a made up day that MIGHT have some meaning in Texas from which it sprang. But really? Three days of celebrating racial biasness? The Boro has turned into a dumping ground for liberalism. Time to vote out the so-called leaders.
So…Juneteenth is a ” celebration of emancipation from slavery”, but all civil war history and reminders are supposed to be erased? Which way do they want it? Are we supposed to be remembering or forgetting? As far as I know , many , many people throughout the world remain enslaved and in bondage – not by white people , by the way , so I’m pretty sure those individuals do not have much of a reason to celebrate this so-called “learning experience to the community”. If they want to just celebrate / push “Black Power” – they need to tell the truth and call it what it is.
Just NO!!
Way to go “city leaders” nothing for Memorial Day except giving city employees a day off, no plan to honor those who gave their lives for our country but a three day celebration for Juneteenth. Seems to me you have your priorities mixed up. I hope veterans and Gold Star mothers remember you next election, I know I will!!!!!
Way to waste money Mboro.
Stay in school.