In Remembrance of August 8, 1863, the Day of Emancipation in the state of Tennessee, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, announces its Seventh Annual Eighth of August Jubilee open to the public with events this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 7 & 8 in three locations.
The Beck 2021 Heritage Award Honoree
Felicia Felder-Hoehne
Beck celebrates Felicia Harris Felder-Hoehne, native Knoxville trailblazer in Black history. Felicia Felder-Hoehne made history in 1969 as she accepted a position at the John C. Hodges Library at the University of Tennessee, becoming the first Black librarian in the university’s history. She continued to serve as a professor and research librarian for almost 45 years before retiring in 2013. The full impact of Felicia Felder-Hoehne’s work cannot be understated. The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is privileged to present her the 2021 Heritage Award for her contributions to Black history, culture, and education.
Beck 7th Annual Eighth of August Jubilee Events – 2 days 3 historic locations
The Beck 2021 Eight of August Jubilee will kick off on Saturday at Dr. Walter Hardy Park, 2020 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue (across from Tabernacle Bapt. Church). Make plans to join us. All events are free and open to the public.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, noon – 7 pm at Hardy Park.
The day is filled with music and entertainment for all with MarathonXtreme Game Truck with video games and vendors of Black business vendors assembled by Karen Hardin to enjoy along with scheduled featured artist listed below:
- Knoxville’s Songstress Kelle Jolly will open the Jubilee at noon.
- Austin-East students and brothers Ryan and LoRen Seagrave will recite ‘Sticks and Stones’ that was presented at the National Speech and Debate Association competition.
- YR Productions Red Carpet Fashion show with children and Austin-East student models.
- Local jazz artist Brian Clay will render smooth grooves
SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
7 am Freedmen’s Mission Historic Cemetery, Libation Service at the burial sites of the first three slaves to be emancipated in the state of Tennessee on August 8, 1863. Officiant Minister Alan Jones. The cemetery adjacent to HBCU Knoxville College.
12 – 4pm, Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave. A Gospel Explosion outside tent event with Brian Salesky, Artistic Director of Knoxville Opera, and vocalist Michael Rogers, with an assembly of quartets and soloists. Pastor Leah Burns will offer words of inspiration along with Elder Frankie Slay and Pastor Tonya Tucker. Bishop Farris Long presiding.
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ABOUT BECK: The Beck was the residence of James Garfield (1881-1969 and Ethel Benson 1897-1970) Beck who were influential members of Knoxville’s black community. The Beck’s lived at 1927 Dandridge Ave., which is the Beck Cultural Exchange Center established with funds from their estate. Absent the establishment of Beck, in 1975 the Knoxville’s black communities, wealth and heritage would have been obliterated from history under Urban Renewal. Beck is the only organization in the region dedicated to local and regional African American history and culture.