Juneteenth in Williamson County: Community groups to host events, place historic marker June 19

Juneteenth marks the day on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed at Galveston and reported that the Civil War was over and slavery had ended. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)

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By Wendy Sturges | 12:42 PM Jun 17, 2021 CDT | Updated 12:42 PM Jun 17, 2021 CDT

Community groups in Franklin will host events June 19 to celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the date in 1865 when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. The news was delivered by Gen. Gordon Granger, who occupied an area of Franklin now known as Pinkerton Park. Union troops fought at Fort Granger during the Battle of Franklin in 1864, according to the Historic Franklin Masonic Hall Foundation.

In June, both the cities of Franklin and Brentwood delivered proclamations marking June 19 as Juneteenth in recognition of the work community groups, such as the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County, have done in the community to raise awareness of the holiday.

To celebrate, local groups will hold festivals in Franklin in partnership with local business and nonprofit organizations.

Juneteenth Festival & Health Fair

The African American Heritage Society of Williamson County hosts it 17th annual celebration at Pinkerton Park with games, giveaways, food trucks and a special presentation in which community leaders will unveil a Juneteenth marker at Fort Granger in the park. Noon-3 p.m. Free (admission). 405 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin. www.mclemorehouse.com

Juneteenth Festival

The Franklin Justice & Equality Coalition hosts a celebration in downtown Franklin with live music on two stages, vendors from local businesses, food trucks and a kids zone. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free (admission). Downtown Franklin. www.facebook.com/franklin-justice-and-equity-coalition

Read more about the history of Juneteenth here.

By Wendy Sturges

A Houston native and graduate of St. Edward's University in Austin, Wendy Sturges has worked as a community journalist covering local government, health care, business and development since 2011. She has worked with Community Impact since 2015 as a reporter and editor and moved to Tennessee in 2019.

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