By Dylan Graham and Brianna Smith
African American pride, cultural celebration and community engagement were on full display Friday and Saturday, June 5-6, during the 33rd Annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival at Medical District Park.
The festival, founded and organized by Dr. Telisa Franklin, was the first of a host of events scheduled this month to celebrate the June 19 holiday.
Throughout the day Friday, visitors explored vendor booths and took part in activities designed to celebrate freedom and cultural heritage.
While the late spring heat posed a challenge, attendees remained engaged. Some vendors passed out handheld fans to visitors as they moved between exhibits, performances, and booths of local businesses displaying their products and services.
Dozens of vendors lined the park, offering everything from African-inspired clothing to personal brands to wellness products. For entrepreneurs, the festival offered an opportunity to connect with customers while supporting a celebration centered on Black culture and economic empowerment.
Entertainment played a significant role in keeping the crowd energized. Line dances on the main stage from LINE-TASTIC Memphiz, encouraged audience participation from their seats, and created moments of collective celebration. Various musical acts took to the stage throughout the day Saturday.
One of the festival’s most educational attractions was an outdoor museum exhibit that highlighted the history of slavery in America and traced the progression of African Americans through Emancipation, the Civil Rights Movement and modern-day achievements.The exhibit offered attendees an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of Juneteenth while connecting the holiday to ongoing conversations about freedom and equality.
Among those in attendance was Magistrate Judge Mitzi Pollard, who said she came to support both the event and its organizer.
“What brought me here is my dear friend Telisa Franklin,” Pollard said. “When I hear that she’s hosting something, I’ve got to come check it out.”
Pollard added that she was interested in experiencing the cultural displays while also connecting with members of the community.
Pollard reflected on the growth in national recognition of Juneteenth, which commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when slaves in Texas learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. She noted that many Black communities celebrated the holiday long before it became a federal holiday.
“We’ve celebrated Juneteenth for a long time before it even became popular,” she said. “I’m glad to see a lot more involvement and a lot more items that share the cultural aspects of Juneteenth.”
Judge Chris Frulla also attended the festival and emphasized the importance of community outreach and historical awareness.
“My job is to represent the citizens all over Shelby County,” said Frulla, a Shelby County Circuit Court judge. “So, I try to touch as many hands as I can to let them know that the justice system cares about everybody.”
For Frulla, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of both freedom and the importance of understanding history.
“It’s about freedom,” he said. “It’s about all the rights that folks fought for over the years, and it’s about celebrating those freedoms and making sure they’re preserved.”
Frulla encouraged attendees to continue learning from earlier generations and to study the past.
“A lot of people forget about what happened in the past,” he said. “Talk to older people, read books, and understand how we got from where we were a long time ago to where we are today.”
Juneteenth observances continue throughout Memphis beginning June 18 with everything from educational exhibits and freedom rides to festivals, concerts and community gatherings.
Jasmine Kelly, with assistance from Felix Banning, greets visitors at her Smooth Like Jas vendor booth, showcasing natural body and hair oils and other products during the Memphis Juneteenth Festival. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
Gerald Richardson visits the Memphis Juneteenth Festival, joining community members in celebrating African American culture, history and freedom during the annual event. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
Community members celebrate African American culture, history and freedom during the annual the Memphis Juneteenth Festival event. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
Gospel rapper Preachr Man performs during the Memphis Juneteenth Festival, one of several entertainers featured during the two-day celebration of freedom, culture and community. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
Representatives of Score Health, a sponsor of the Memphis Juneteenth Festival, distribute handheld fans to help attendees stay cool during the two-day celebration at Medical District Park. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
Stacy Marin participates in the Memphis Juneteenth Festival, which featured cultural exhibits, local vendors, live entertainment and community engagement activities. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)
One of the newest additions to Memphis’ Juneteenth calendar is the Juneteenth Summer Classic concert featuring Chicago rapper G Herbo, scheduled for Friday, June 19, at Minglewood Hall, 1555 Madison Ave.
G Herbo will headline the event, presented by Tapped In and Peppa Mouth of the South. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show is 6-11 p.m.
Other Juneteenth events in the city include:
Douglass Freedom & Heritage Festival
- June 18-20
- Douglass Park
Juneteenth Freedom Ride bicycle ride
- June 18-20
- Beginning at 7 a.m.
- Starting at Wiseacre Brewery, 2783 Broad Ave.
National Civil Rights Museum Community Day
- June 19
- 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- National Civil Rights Museum
Juneteenth Summer Classic featuring G Herbo
- June 19
- 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
- Minglewood Hall
Juneteenth Fest at Black Seeds Urban Farms
- June 19
- 6 p.m.
- Black Seeds Urban Farms, 580 N 4th St
Memphis Juneteenth Urban Music Festival
- June 19
- Health Sciences Park, downtown
Shop Black Festival
- June 20
- 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Martyrs Park, downtown
