MURFREESBORO, TN – Coming up this Saturday, June 15th... That was Murfreesboro Parks & Rec. Assistant Director Thomas Laird. Juneteenth Independence Day, also known as “Freedom Day,” takes place this Saturday (June 15, 2024) at the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center and will extend to the three blocks adjacent to this historic site... Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved persons in the United States, marking a significant moment in American history.
Bradley Academy, built in 1806, originally served as a school for wealthy white males, including one notable student, U.S. President James K. Polk. A new structure was constructed in the 1830s, which played a significant role during the Civil War. Thirty years after the new Bradley Academy was erected, it was repurposed as a hospital during the Battle of Stones River. This intense conflict, which took place from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, saw 76,100 troops engaged in fierce combat. The battle resulted in 24,645 casualties, profoundly impacting both Union and Confederate forces.
Following the Civil War, Bradley Academy reopened in the 1880s as a school for African American students. By 1917, a modern facility was built, and the new building, which opened in one year later, became the first high school for African Americans in the area... Throughout the 1920s, the school also housed a health clinic and served as a social and cultural hub for the African American community, thanks to support from the Commonwealth Fund.
The upcoming Juneteenth celebration will honor this rich history and provide a vibrant community event. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with festivities, educational activities, and a shared commemoration of freedom and heritage. The event will bring together residents and visitors alike to celebrate an important chapter in American history.
DATE AND TIME: The community is encouraged to join-in on the festivities as Juneteenth Independence Day, also known as “Freedom Day,” takes place from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center. This family oriented event is free and everyone is invited to stop by this Saturday, June 15, 2024.
