The Eighth of August is a significant milestone in Tennessee state history. The date marks when, in 1863, Tennessee Military Governor – and future U.S. President – Andrew Johnson famously freed the people he had enslaved in Greeneville. It would be another 18 months before enslaved people all across the state were freed.
America celebrates Juneteenthon June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in our country, related celebrations are observed on different days by Black Americans. Emancipation for most was a series of stops and starts depending on where an enslaved person lived. For nearly 160 years, Black people across Southern Appalachia have celebrated the Eighth of August as Emancipation Day.
This year, the Eighth of August falls on Saturday,
when events in Knoxville will commemorate the state's Emancipation Day.
If your organization is planning a public event to celebrate the Eighth of August, email hayley.choy@knox.news.com to have it added to this list.
Beck Cultural Exchange Center's 12th Annual Libation Tribute Ceremony
Aug. 8
- Make plans to join the Beck Cultural Exchange Center at the Freemen's Mission Historic Cemetery adjacent to Knoxville College for the Annual Libation Tribute Ceremony at 8 a.m. Aug. 8. This special service is a tribute to enslaved ancestors who were freed on Aug. 8, 1863. The special guest will be Ned Arter, great-great-grandson of Sam Johnson, who was emancipated on Aug. 8, 1863, and who is considered the father of the Emancipation Day celebrations.
- This event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.
- For more information, visit beckcenter.net
Mabry-Hazen House's Stories of Emancipation Tour
Aug. 8
- Mabry-Hazen House will share stories, objects and research related to the historic house museum, local enslaved communities and their stories of emancipation on Aug. 8. Visitors will learn about the lives of African Americans connected to Mabry-Hazen House, their achievements and struggles, and the various methods they used to gain freedom.
- The museum will offer tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is free, but tours are limited to 24 visitors per tour. Reservations are encouraged, and donations are appreciated. Walk-up tickets will be available, but not guaranteed.
- For more event information and to make a reservation, visit mabryhazen.com.
Hayley Choy is an editorial researcher for the Knoxville News Sentinel and can be reached at hayley.choy@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at subscribe.knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Celebrate freedom at Knoxville's Eighth of August events for 2026
