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Oscar Micheaux (1884 - 1951) was a pioneering African-American author, filmmaker, and without a doubt the most famous producer of race films. In 1919, he formed his own movie production company and became the first African-American to ever make a film shown in “white” movie theaters. Over his illustrious career, Micheaux wrote, produced, and directed forty-four feature-length films and wrote seven novels, one of which was a national bestseller.

Given the times, his accomplishments in publishing and film are both unprecedented and awe-inspiring. He used his art to portray truer narratives of the Black experience and to combat the racism of the times, as captured so neatly in D.W. Griffith’s notorious film, ‘The Birth of a Nation’.

All of Greater Chattanooga & Hamilton County is invited to join us for the 158^th Annual Juneteenth Independence Day Commemoration Ceremony. The ceremony will include the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and the singing of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice” and other freedom songs.

Immediately following the ceremony will begin our Oscar Michaux Black Film Festival. Our film festival highlights films made by local Black filmmakers. We also feature films, including documentaries, made by national and international Black filmmakers. 
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5:00 - 6:00  Junteenth Ceremony:

Welcome & The occasion Comments by Chatta. Mayor Tim Kelly
Chatta Councilwoman Coonrod
TN State Representative Hakeem
Music by Neshawn Callaway & Friends
Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation read by Carmen Davis
Singing of Lift Every Voice Lead by Neshawn Callaway Singers

6:15 - 9:00 Oscar Micheaux Black Film Festival:
‍Introduction of Black Film Festival
Comments by Ric Morris & Nick Wilkinson  
Each Film gets a 1 minute intro by Filmmaker

1. Black Icarus - Directed by Jimmie Thomas (30m)
2. RAGE - Directed By Scottie Caldwell (30m)
3. An Electric Sleep - Directed by Theo Brown (1h 15m)

Filmmaker's Panel to follow

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