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Murfreesboro Unites for a Joyful, Soulful Juneteenth Celebration at Historic Bradley Academy

Jun 21, 2025 at 02:46 pm by WGNS

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Murfreesboro, TN - With the summer sun blazing overhead and temperatures soaring near 90 degrees, the City of Murfreesboro's annual Juneteenth Celebration heated up in all the best ways this Saturday. The grounds of the historic Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center came alive with music, food, art, and a deep reverence for freedom and community spirit.

Presented by Cultural Arts Murfreesboro, the family-friendly festival brought together residents from across Rutherford County to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the former Confederate States. From early afternoon until dusk, the event buzzed with activity—from toe-tapping live music and vibrant dance to rows of vendors showcasing one-of-a-kind handmade clothing, dazzling local art, and a delicious spread of Southern and health-conscious cuisine.

"You couldn’t walk by the clothing booths without stopping," said one attendee, admiring the explosion of colors and textures on display. “It was like the garments themselves were celebrating with us.”

Under a canopy of laughter and learning, local businesses and organizations filled vendor tents, sharing their missions and offering information to the community. Attendees cooled off with sweet treats and fanned themselves with festival programs, all while soaking in the rich cultural pride of the day.

The focal point of the celebration—the main stage—stood in front of the Bradley Academy Museum, an institution deeply woven into Murfreesboro’s history. Originally built in 1806 for the education of white males, the Academy transitioned in 1884 to serve African American students. The current building opened its doors in 1918 and now serves as a museum preserving the area’s Civil War stories, early settler artifacts, and African American heritage.

One of the museum’s most beloved features is the Myrtle Glanton Lord classroom, a preserved space that pays tribute to the beloved local educator and community leader. Ms. Lord taught generations of students and inspired countless lives with her boundless energy and compassion before her passing at age 99 in 2007. Her secret? "A tablespoon of vinegar and honey every day."

Visitors also stepped back in time through detailed exhibits recounting the daily traditions of Bradley School students—like the morning processional accompanied by drum cadence, the solemn flag raising, the pledge, and shared prayers that once began each school day.

Today, Bradley Academy stands not just as a museum but as a time capsule of community memory, evolving with each generation. Operated by the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department, the facility continues to welcome guests and host events that educate, honor, and bring people together.

As the evening drew to a close, heartfelt thank-yous echoed across the grounds. There was a sense that this Juneteenth didn’t just mark a date in history—it reaffirmed the enduring power of community, heritage, and joy.

Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center is located at 415 S. Academy Street. Open Fridays and Saturdays, space rentals are available Sundays through Thursdays.

 

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