A "surreal" Juneteenth celebration for TSU band
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The Tennessee State University marching band during a Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn of the White House. Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
It's been a triumphant year for Tennessee State University's marching band.
- During the last school year, the Aristocrat of Bands released its debut album, won its first Grammy and debuted at the Grand Ole Opry. Last week, they kicked off CMA Fest with a riverfront performance.
Yes, but: Nothing prepared band director Reginald McDonald for the band's latest gig.
- This week, the historically Black university's band participated in the White House's celebration of the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates Black Americans' emancipation from slavery.
What he's saying: "I cannot really put into words the adrenaline and the excitement," McDonald tells Axios. "It's just been one of those surreal kinds of experiences."
- "I looked at Instagram this morning and the president of the United States [posted] a picture of the band."
Flashback: Before the performance, McDonald remembered telling the band members that they "represent not only our ancestors, but you represent the hopes of our community for years to come."
Between the lines: McDonald credits TSU president Glenda Glover for facilitating the invite because of her connections with the administration. Vice President Kamala Harris calls Glover "a tremendous friend."
What's next: McDonald says the band's heightened exposure at home and across the country has led to an uptick in new opportunities.
- The band director hopes to collaborate with local artists and participate in other high-profile events in the months ahead.
The bottom line: "It really gave me a feeling of happiness and hope," McDonald says of the band's visit to D.C., where Nashville's Fisk Jubilee Singers also performed. "It was almost a perfect world for that hour-and-a-half, two-hour stretch of time."
Watch the TSU band's White House performance
If you couldn't make it to the South Lawn of the White House, there are still plenty of ways to mark Juneteenth here in Nashville.
Why it matters: The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the U.S., in Galveston, Texas, received news of their freedom.
- President Biden signed legislation into law in 2021 making it a federal holiday.
The National Museum of African American Music is hosting a community day Monday. Guests can tour the museum for free and enjoy activities like yoga and crafts.
- On Sunday, the museum is hosting a Broadway block party with live music and food.
Juneteenth615 is hosting a celebration Monday at 5pm in Fort Negley Park. The event will include African drummers and other performances along with food trucks and fireworks.
The Equity Alliance is hosting the Black on Buchanan block party from 12-6pm Saturday, featuring music, kids' activities and food.
Travellers Rest Historic House Museum is conducting special historical tours Saturday focused on the realities of slavery on the property and what life was like in the years after emancipation.
Check out other Juneteenth events compiled by the Tennessean