By Vivian Shipe
KNOXVILLE, TN — As the country gears up for fourth of July festivities, the sweet residue left from the Juneteenth celebrations of total freedom still linger. The moving of the MLK parade from January to June by the Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee has proven to be a success in it’s second year as over 75 groups participated in the march from Chilhowee Park to Walter Hardy Park where the Juneteenth celebration continued.
The tree filled park provided respite from the sun as food vendors kept delicious smells flowing through the park, children ran and played, organizations shared information, and dancers and performers entertained the crowds that had lined the parade route and ended up chilling in the park before moving inside for the evening at the Beck Cultural Center . Those who came to the center enjoyed activities, tours of the center and an Unshackled Discussion youth town hall meeting with many engaging topics. Most informative were the subjects of mental health, food desserts, and engaging young voters.
