“Today will be observed as a holiday by the negro residents and practically all places of business conducted by negroes will be closed for part of the day.
In most states January 1 is observed as Emancipation Day, but in Tennessee and a few other states, August 8 has been designated as the date for
Emancipation Day exercises.
This custom originated because negroes owned by Andrew Johnson, at Greeneville, were set free on August 8.
Sam Johnson, one of the former slaves of Andrew Johnson, worked for a long time and was successful in having August 8 set aside for Emancipation Day
observed in this section.”
KNOXVILLE BRANCH NAACP - 2019
The Knoxville Branch of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People received the Annual Heritage Award in 2019. The award was presented in commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the organization, its members, its group of founding members including James G. Beck, namesake of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, and all those who endeavor to advance justice for African Americans.
JOAN TRUMPAUER MULHOLLAND - 2018
Joan Trumpauer Mulholland received the Annual Heritage Award in 2018. Joan is a Civil Rights Icon and Freedom Rider, and the recipient of the 2015 National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award. The award was presented for her unselfish devotion to freedom and her relentless pursuit of civil rights for African Americans.
CHRIS BLUE - 2017
Chris Blue received the Annual Heritage Award in 2017. Chris was The Voice 2017 Winner. The award was presented for his tireless commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence in the arts and culture and as a staunch member and representative of our beloved community.
DR. MARY WHALEY (Posthumously) - 2016
Dr. Mary Whaley received the Annual Heritage Award in 2016 posthumously. Mary passed away January 29, 2016. The award was presented for her work to ensure the preservation of the historic Fourth United Presbyterian Church, (formerly First United Presbyterian Church Freedmen's Mission Historic Cemetery) adjacent to historic Knoxville College. Many of our ancestors are interred in this historic cemetery including James and Ethel Beck, the center’s namesake, and those enslaved persons emancipated on August 8, 1863.
NED ARTER - 2015
Ned Arter received the first Annual Heritage Award in 2015. Ned is the great-great grandson of Sam Johnson, an enslaved person freed on August 8, 1863. Sam Johnson is recorded in history as establishing the Eighth of August Celebrations known as the Day of Emancipation. Ned also inherited the autographed Silver-Tipped Cane.
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DONATE TO THE DELANEY MUSEUM
This project is being supported in whole or in part by federal award number 21.027 awarded to the
City of Knoxville by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Arts & Culture Alliance.
Beck acknowledges the generous support of Knox County Tennessee Defined Services Program for ongoing support of this important work.
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Beck is proud to be grant recipients of the following organizations whose tremendous support makes it possible for us to make local Black history and culture accessible to all: