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Greeneville's
8th of August
Greeneville, Tennessee resident & former slave,
Sam Johnson, has been credited with the creation & spread of the 8th of August Emancipation celebrations. Through his efforts, his hometown holds the distinction of being the origin of these events, still carried on today.
Photographs by Holly Rainey
East Tennessee PBS, in partnership with the George Clem Multicultural Alliance, hosted
EAST TENNESSEE VOICES: GREENEVILLE'S 8TH OF AUGUST elders forum at historic Jones Memorial AME Zion Church.
Members of Greene County's Black community shared their memories of past 8th of August celebrations, as well as their hopes for racial harmony & brotherhood.
