8th of August celebration to honor Judge William Hastie, first Black federal judge

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center will celebrate Emancipation Day in Tennessee for 2024 by honoring the legacy of the late Judge William Hastie during its annual Eighth of August Jubilee at the Tennessee Theatre.

Born in Knoxville in 1904, Hastie was the first African American ever to serve as a federal judge in the United States court.

"This is our 10th year of having our 8th of August Jubilee, so we wanted to do something special during a very pivotal time in our country," the Rev. Renee Kesler, executive director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, told Knox News. "Hastie always called Knoxville home, and his rich history is one of those stories that we needed to tell. As part of that, we invited his son as our special guest to honor his father's legacy. This award is given to those who are not only from East Tennessee, but who have a history that's rooted in freedom and justice and equality."

The Beck Center event on Aug. 8 will feature a VIP red carpet celebration, a performance by jazz artist Kelle Jolly, and an appearance by Emmy-winning filmmaker, author and activist Loki Mulholland, son of civil rights icon Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, who one of the Freedom Riders arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1961.

Additionally, during the celebration the Beck Center will premiere an exclusive feature film detailing the life and accomplishments of the late judge.

Find information about reserving tickets for the Beck Center Eighth of August Jubilee online at beckcenter.net. The VIP reception will begin at 4 p.m., and the program will start at 5:30 p.m.

Hastie's legacy championed civil rights and the judiciary

Raised in East and South Knoxville during his childhood, Hastie went on to break numerous racial barriers throughout his distinguished career. He was the first African American to serve as a federal judge, and his legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice paved the way for future generations of Black legal professionals. Hastie's academic brilliance earned him a scholarship to Amherst College, followed by a law degree from Harvard Law School, where he later became the first African American to serve on the school's faculty.

As an influential advocate for civil rights, Hastie worked alongside prominent figures like Thurgood Marshall and played a crucial role in dismantling segregationist policies serving on the bench up until he died in 1976. His commitment to equality extended beyond the courtroom, impacting educational institutions and public policies across the nation.

Why Tennessee recognizes Aug. 8 as Emancipation Day

On Aug. 8, 1863, African Americans in Tennessee were freed from slavery. The day commemorates the moment when military governor Andrew Johnson of Tennessee - later the 17th president of the United States - emancipated his own enslaved individuals, an event preceding the nationally recognized Juneteenth. As Union forces advanced and occupied territories, they disseminated the Emancipation Proclamation, leading to various states celebrating emancipation on different dates. Aug. 8 was designated as Emancipation Day in Tennessee. That date is now celebrated in at least seven states - including in Kentucky and Missouri - and 55 communities.

Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Beck Center 8th of August event to honor legacy of Judge William Hastie