8th of August Celebrated as Emancipation Day in Tennessee

President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation did not apply to enslaved people in the state of Tennessee.

Despite this, then-Military Governor, Andrew Johnson emancipated his own slaves on the 8th of August, 1863. This event set off a century and a half long tradition of freedom celebrations that continues today in East Tennessee.

In 1871, Sam Johnson seems to have instigated an early August 8th celebration in remembrance and recognition of their day of freedom. Both Sam and Andrew Johnson were in attendance. Sam was the officer of the day, and Andrew Johnson addressed the group. Sam’s legacy continues, as August 8th is celebrated to this day in Tennessee and surrounding states as “Emancipation Day.”

The short film, 8th of August: Tennessee’s Celebration of Emancipation, tells the story of “the other Johnson family,” the geographic and social ripples that emanated from this important date.

With newly cataloged documents, photographs, footage and interviews with residents and academics, the 8th of August tells the story of a people’s survival and the importance of celebration to the ideals of freedom in the United States.

For more information, please visit www.blackinappalachia.org/8th-of-august.