WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FREE? A Juneteenth Speakers Corner on Jefferson Street

Friends,

Freedom didn’t arrive all at once, and it didn’t arrive on time. On June 19, 1865, Union troops reached Galveston, the last corner of the Confederacy still holding people in bondage. Even then, slavery persisted in places like Kentucky until the 13th Amendment passed that December. Juneteenth marks freedom as it actually came: late, partial, hard-won. That’s exactly why we’re still asking what it means.

This Juneteenth, come ask it with us.

Thursday, June 18  ·  3–7 PM  ·  drop in anytime

Alkebu-Lan Images  ·  2721 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN 37208

This isn’t a lecture, and it isn’t only a party. It’s both, and it builds through the afternoon. Come early for Smoqe Signals BBQ and the music from Black Lion Sound System, then stay for the conversation as it deepens. Whether you arrive at 3 or roll through at 5, you’ll be walking into something still unfolding.

Across the afternoon we’ll turn one question over from four directions, each opened with a poem, a passage, and a book from our shelves, guided by a circle of community voices:

1. What does it mean to be free?
2. What is the cost of freedom, and who has paid it?
3. Are we free enough, and how do we hold the freedom we have?
4. What are we building for those not yet free?

Come and go as your day allows. Bring a poem, a passage, or a few words of your own if the spirit moves you, or simply come to listen. Both are honored here.

RSVP — It’s Free »

Free and open to all. We just ask that you RSVP so we know to expect you.

Won’t you celebrate with us?

The Alkebu-Lan Images Family