United We Stand: Chattanooga’s Juneteenth Celebration

This year, Chattanooga is coming together under one powerful banner: United We Stand: Chattanooga’s Juneteenth Celebration.

Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It is a sacred reminder of freedom delayed, freedom fought for, and freedom still being protected. It is a time for Black people to tell our own stories, honor our ancestors, celebrate our culture, strengthen our families, and stand together as one community.

United We Stand was created to bring Chattanooga’s Juneteenth events, organizations, leaders, artists, churches, businesses, and families together in a spirit of unity. When the Black community moves together, we create power, visibility, legacy, and a stronger future for our children.

This year’s celebration is especially meaningful because it brings together the themes of freedom, family, fatherhood, children, history, identity, and legacy. At a time when Black history is being challenged, erased, politicized, and misunderstood, it is essential that we know who we are, where we come from, and why our stories matter.

That is why we are honored to welcome Dr. Gina Paige, Co-Founder of African Ancestry, as a special guest speaker during the Black Dads Matter Father’s Day Brunch. Dr. Paige’s work helps Black people reconnect with their African roots through DNA testing, family history, and cultural identity. Her message is deeply connected to the purpose of Juneteenth: remembering what was taken, reclaiming what was hidden, and celebrating the strength of who we are.

The program will also include an Ancestry Reveal featuring Local News 3’s LaTrice Curry. This powerful moment will allow our community to witness the beauty, emotion, and importance of reconnecting with ancestral identity.

This event is presented as part of Scratching Your Roots: Black Genealogy Society, an initiative of Black Arts & Ideas: Festival Series dedicated to helping Black families explore, preserve, and celebrate their family history.

Community Partners

This celebration is made possible through the partnership and support of:

• All Star Foundation
• Black Arts & Ideas: Festival Series
• Chattanooga Business Elite
• Community Haven
• Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation
• LAUNCH
• Tennessee Democracy Network
• Unity Group
• Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

Friday, June 19, 2026

11:30 AM —-Juneteenth Parade (Unity Group)
The parade will line up at Miller Park on the Georgia Avenue side.

• Parade signup: Eric Atkins - 423-320-8598
• Flag bearers (Pan-African, red/black/green, and African nation flags): Ricardo Morris - 423-883-0178
  Presented by Black Arts & Ideas: Festival Series

12:45 PM — Emancipation Proclamation Ceremony & Program (Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation)
Location: New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 809 E. ML King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN
Program includes a reenactment of the Emancipation Proclamation announcement, music by The Spiritual Highlights, and community reflection.
Register at this link

2:00 PM - Film Screening: How to Sue the Klan (Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation)
Location: New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 809 E. ML King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN
Emmy Award-winning film about the five Black women shot by the Klan on MLK Blvd - a reminder that Chattanooga’s Black history lives in our streets, families, and ongoing fight for justice.

7:00 PM - KIC Nights: Juneteenth (LAUNCH)
Location: LAUNCH / Kitchen Incubator, 5704 Marlin Road, Chattanooga, TN
LAUNCH, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, and Chattanooga Business Elite host an evening of culture, food, entrepreneurship, and community — highlighting Black business, creativity, and collaboration. In partnership with United We Stand.

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‍Saturday, June 20, 2026

1:00 PM - All Star Foundation BBQ Festival
Location: Miller Park, Chattanooga, TN
Featuring Reese The Truth with a live band and other artists. Food trucks, vendors, music, and community celebration.
Vendors: 423-763-3857

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Sunday, June 21, 2026

11:30 AM - Black Dads Matter Father's Day Brunch
Presented by: Black Arts & Ideas: Community Engagement
Location: Community Haven, 815 N. Hickory Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Doors open at 11:30 AM. Brunch served 12:00–1:30 PM. A Father's Day gathering honoring Black fathers, families, children, legacy, and community.
Buy Tickets here

2:00 PM - Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Gina Paige, Co-Founder of African Ancestry
Presented as part of: Scratching Your Roots: Black Genealogy Society
Explores identity, ancestral roots, and reconnecting Black families to history. Features an Ancestry Reveal of Local News 3's LaTrice Curry.
Free and open to the public — registration required. Brunch attendees must also register for this program.
Register at this link

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