FRANKLIN, Tenn. – It has been a reflection on history, and Saturday, the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County hosted its 11th annual Juneteenth event to commemorate the emancipation of slaves on June 19, 1865.
On that day, Union soldiers were finally able to reach slaves in Galveston, Texas to let them know they had been freed.
Saturday's event was filled with music, food, art by local artists, and the "Denny Denson Cakewalk" named after the long-time community leader.
“It’s all fun,” said Alma McLemore, of the McLemore House Museum. “But the reason for the event today though is just real serious. We know this as a special day, and we are hoping that people in the community will embrace this.”
The event was held at the historic McLemore House Museum known for being built by former slave Harvey McLemore, who was the first former slave in Franklin to own a home.
