CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A resolution to make Juneteenth a recognized city holiday received resounding support from City Council members at an executive session meeting this week.

The resolution would allow city employees to take a paid holiday each June 19.

Ward 8 Councilwoman Wanda Allen, who wrote the resolution, said the city should join Montgomery County, which made Juneteenth a county holiday in summer 2020.

“I would like to see this City Council go ahead and make Juneteenth a celebrated city holiday so we can show that we are the diverse city that we say we are and we accept people from all races, all shades, all genders, all everything. Let this be a day for celebration in our city,” Allen said at the meeting Thursday night.

Council members Jason Knight, Ashlee Evans, Trisha Butler, DaJuan Little and Wallace Redd spoke in support of the measure.

Councilwoman Smith suggests alternative

Ward 6 Councilwoman Wanda Smith suggested that a more appropriate day to celebrate is Aug. 8, Tennessee Emancipation Day.

According to the Tennessee Historical Society, there is some debate as to the reason Aug. 8, 1863, became recognized as Emancipation Day. Many believe it to be that day Tennessee Military Gov. Andrew Johnson freed his personal slaves.

In 2007, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen signed a proclamation recognizing Aug. 8 as Emancipation Day.

“That’s when Tennessee recognized the news and recognized the importance of Aug. 8. … It has continued to be recognized as a holiday by the African American community in Tennessee,” said Smith. “It’s good to know history, because when we are putting someone else’s history in Tennessee, it doesn’t line up.”

Allen recognized the history behind Aug. 8 but noted that Juneteenth holds national significance as the day all of the United States recognized the Emancipation Proclamation. “I’d like to celebrate this in solidarity with the rest of our nation,” Allen said.

Roxy purchase hotly debated

Council members also discussed a proposed purchase of the Roxy Regional Theatre for the purpose of building a new Clarksville Performing Arts Center.

A resolution coming up for second reading would allow the city to purchase the Roxy building for $810,000. The planned purchase enjoyed strong support from the previous council; however, several new council members have raised concerns about the cost, location and involvement of the Roxy Theatre board as management for the building.

“If we are going to build a performing arts center, why have we already chosen the people that are going to run it?” Allen said. “If (The Roxy Board) are leasing the building, and it’s theirs at the time, the priority are going to be the things that this Roxy wants to bring in versus things for everyone. I just don’t get why we can’t have someone come in that’s neutral.”

The council was originally set to vote on the purchase in January but voted to delay. The council will vote on both Juneteenth and the Roxy building at the regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. Meetings are livestreamed online.