Sam Johnson was emancipated August 8, 1863. After emancipation, Sam was successful in having August 8 set aside for Emancipation Day observances and celebrations. In 1888, it was noted in a Knoxville paper that about 200 people travelled to Greeneville from Knoxville for their celebration. Later, in 1897, 500 people travelled from Knoxville to Johnson City on a “special train of ten coaches” for the celebration there. The first newspaper mention of a Knoxville celebration was in 1899. One year later, in 1900, it was reported that 3500 people from Birmingham, Asheville, Bristol and other cities came to Knoxville for the August 8 celebration. In 1902, a steamboat carrying 500 people travelled from Nashville to Clarksville for August 8, and there was a newspaper estimate of between 3,000 to 5,000 people visiting from out-of-town. In 1908 “several thousand visitors” were expected for a Nashville celebration where the theme was, “Emancipation and What It Means To the Negro.” In 1935, the Memphis Commercial Appeal wrote about large celebrations there. “More than 10,000 Negroes attended special services in 70 Memphis churches yesterday in observance of Emancipation Sunday, 25 of whom were former slaves.” A special event at Booker T. Washington High School saw a crowd of 1,000 people. In 1937, back in Knoxville, Louis Armstrong’s orchestra played at a dance at Chilhowee Park. Since that time, celebrations continue to take place throughout Tennessee and other states. We continue to celebrate August 8, the day of freedom.