Beck Cultural Exchange Center

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Knoxville. The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is proud to partner with the City of Knoxville Special Events, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Commemorative Commission of Knoxville TN, and community partners for a celebration of freedom, culture, history, and community.

The festivities begin on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM with a free concert in Market Square featuring Dancing Machine: America’s #1 Tribute Band to The Jacksons, presented in partnership with the City of Knoxville. Bring your lawn chair, family, and friends for an evening of great music and community fellowship.

The celebration continues on Friday, June 19, 2026, with the MLK Jr. Parade/March stepping off at 10:00 AM, followed by the Juneteenth Celebration from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Dr. Walter Hardy Park.

We invite everyone to come together as we honor the legacy of Juneteenth and celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of African Americans.

JuneteenthKnoxville BlackHistory

04/16/2026

Today, we stood on sacred ground.

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center, in partnership with Boyd Sports, unveiled four new statues honoring Beauford Delaney, Nikki Giovanni, Ida Cox, and Ruth Cobb Brice, whose lives have shaped Knoxville, our culture, and our collective story.

With this installation, eleven statues now stand in this space, each one a testament to truth, legacy, and the enduring impact of Black Knoxville.

These statues honor extraordinary lives. But they also remind us: there is still more of the story to tell.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to witness this moment. This is how we honor the past and carry it forward.

04/15/2026

✨ Special Announcement ✨

Join us Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM at Delaney Plaza (Stadium Way) for a historic unveiling of four new bronze statues honoring individuals whose lives and legacies have shaped our city, our culture, and our collective story. With this installation, the stadium will now feature eleven statues, all developed through Beck’s guidance and historical stewardship, helping tell the story of our city’s rich history.

Presented by the Beck Cultural Exchange Center in partnership with Boyd Sports, this unveiling is part of the Beck Cultural Corridor preserving Black history, honoring legacy, and inspiring future generations.

Bring your family and celebrate this powerful moment with us.

03/31/2026

As we close out Women’s History Month, during our Ethel Beck Society Brunch we honor and celebrate African American women whose impact has left a lasting legacy in our community.

This year’s Woman of the Year honoree was Mrs. Juanita U. Cannon, a dedicated educator, mentor, and role model. Through her work teaching physical education, coaching cheerleading, leading tap dance, and offering etiquette classes, she poured into generations with grace, discipline, and care. Her commitment to shaping not only strong students but confident, well rounded individuals is a testament to her enduring influence.

Mrs. Cannon’s legacy reflects the very spirit of Women’s History Month, strength, leadership, service, and excellence. We are grateful for her contributions and proud to honor the path she has paved for so many.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event so meaningful and memorable. Your presence and support continue to uplift and celebrate the women who have made a difference in our lives and community.

We look forward to seeing you next year on Saturday, March 27, 2027, as we continue this powerful tradition. 💛