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From Emancipation to Education: Murfreesboro's Juneteenth Event Bridges History and Community

Jun 20, 2025 at 01:03 am by WGNS


Murfreesboro, TN – From 10:00 o’clock this Saturday morning until 4:00 in the afternoon, the Heart of Tennessee celebrates Juneteenth Independence Day, also known as Freedom Day. This vibrant and meaningful event will be held at one of the city's most historic sites—Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center, 415 S. Academy St. It will stretch along South Academy Street, encompassing the blocks surrounding the museum. Families and visitors are invited to enjoy a day filled with live music, dance performances, food trucks, art vendors, cultural exhibits, face painting, and a Kids' Zone with free games and activities—plus, this event is free and open to all ages!

 

 

 

 

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the last remaining enslaved African Americans of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The day stands as a powerful reminder of delayed justice, perseverance, and triumph, and has grown into a nationwide celebration of African American culture, history, and freedom.

This year’s event holds special significance as it takes place at Bradley Academy, Murfreesboro’s oldest existing school building and a treasured landmark in Black history. Originally founded in 1806 as a school for white males—including future President James K. Polk—Bradley Academy transformed over the centuries. During the Battle of Stones River in the Civil War, the site was repurposed as a hospital. Later, in the 1880s, it reopened as a school for African American students. By 1918, a new building became the first Black high school in Rutherford County and also hosted a health clinic and cultural gatherings, anchoring the community socially and educationally.

While at this Saturday’s Juneteenth commemoration, make it a point to step-back-in-time and walk through the actual Myrtle Glanton Lord classroom of the late 40s and early 50s. See the original desks, complete with initials carved in them. Stand by the flagpole where drummers played and students marched out in cadence each morning. Relive the memory of the rivalry between this school and another in nearby Shelbyville for a “cedar bucket”. That was the memorable trophy each fought to possess each year.

Today, Bradley Academy Historic and Cultural Museum stands as a beacon for learning, heritage, and pride. Its walls echo with the stories of those who fought for education, equity, and dignity. Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and join in this joyful celebration of freedom, culture, and resilience—right in the heart of Murfreesboro’s historical legacy.

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