Juneteenth has been recognized as a federal holiday for just five years now, and The Equity Alliance has been waiting for the public to catch up. This year will be the seventh for the local advocacy group’s Black on Buchanan Juneteenth event, which will line the North Nashville street with 75 vendors and a full stage. While Juneteenth is officially June 19 each year, Black on Buchanan will take place this year on Saturday, June 13.
Jess Williams, director of culture and strategy with The Equity Alliance, says the historically Black neighborhood is still being undermined by gentrification — she also expresses concern about a new zoning policy that would limit the kinds of businesses in the area. The event honors past struggles in North Nashville and for the Black community while looking to the future, she says.
“The biggest thing that we want to do is being able to center our joy ... and celebrate who we are as a culture, celebrate our history, and celebrate the life and legacy of not just our ancestors, but who we are as a community as well,” Williams tells the Scene. “It's super important for us to have our event not just in North Nashville, but specifically in Buchanan, because of that.”
Zoning policy will place limits on certain business operations in the North Nashville neighborhood
Black on Buchanan will kick off at 3 p.m. this Saturday, June 13, with a processional led by Sankofa Drum and Dance, a Nashville-based West African performing arts group. Musical acts throughout the evening include DJ Crisis, Nick Drake, LotisMusic, Memethegoat, Young Buck and Dem Franchize Boyz, with the event set to wrap at 7 p.m.
Williams will host the event alongside Jordan Gaither, radio personality for 101.1 The Beat. Williams encourages people to engage with The Equity Alliance year-round, as it organizes around issues including universal childcare, removing barriers to housing and environmental justice. One day, she hopes Juneteenth — which honors the emancipation of enslaved people in 1865 — will become as much a part of the public consciousness as Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick’s Day.
“Don't let Juneteenth be the only time that you celebrate Blackness,” she says. “Don't let Juneteenth be the only time that you are thinking about the political climate that is happening in our state. Don't let Juneteenth be the only time that you support a Black-owned business.”
