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African American History & Culture - Since 1975

BECK CULTURAL 
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025


Event Details for VIP Guests:


  • VIP Entrance: Please use the VIP entrance on Jackson Avenue or the Knoxville Giants Landing entrance, both conveniently located on Jackson.
  • Location: The VIP entrance will take you directly to the Club Level for the reception.
  • Parking: VIP parking is available in the Red Lot and Gold Lot. A map is included for your reference. Parking attendants will have a list of guest names to verify entry.
  • Reception Highlights: Enjoy delicious food, entertainment, and special guest appearances in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
  • VIP Ticket: You will receive your VIP ticket once you check in at the Club Level. This ticket allows you to stay for the game following the reception.
  • Already have a game ticket. If you already have a game ticket, you must use that ticket if you would like to remain for the game.
  • Reception End Time: The VIP Reception ends promptly at 5:15 PM to prepare for general gate opening at 5:30 PM and to allow season ticket holders access to the Club Level.


We are honored to have you with us for this historic celebration and look forward to greeting you in person.

Thank you for supporting Beck and being part of this meaningful event.

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BECK EIGHTH OF AUGUST JUBILEE

Covenant Health Park - Smokies Stadium

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11TH ANNUAL EIGHTH OF AUGUST JUBILEE

NEGRO LEAGUE NIGHT

Knoxville Smokies vs Biloxi Shuckers

Beck is hosting commemoration events for its 11th Annual Eighth of August Jubilee. On Friday, August 8, Beck will head to Covenant Health Park for its premier Eighth of August Jubilee special ticketed event featuring Negro League Night with the Knoxville Smokies. 


The exclusive VIP reception starts at 4:00 p.m. and features a meet-and-greet with special guests on the third level of ORNL Federal Credit Union’s Luxury Level Club. VIP ticket holders will enjoy live entertainment, food, a free drink ticket, limited parking, a Beck keepsake, and access to premier seating. After the reception, the gates open to the public with pre-game entertainment at 5:30 p.m. 


Our Knoxville Smokies, decked out in throwback uniforms as the Knoxville Giants from Negro Southern League, will take on the Biloxi Shuckers, as the Biloxi Dodgers of the Gulf Coast Negro League, as we celebrate Freedom Jubilee together.

What's Happening 
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“I think you’re right that we’re doomed to repeat tragedies until we all learn more from our history. More light needs to be shined on the history of our Black communities.”
Harrison Boyd, Knoxville, TN

Beck Museum

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History is the 
Great Truth-Teller

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Lynching Scene
Beck is the Keeper of the Truth
Loki Mulholland

The Uncomfortable Truth

Truth Must Be Told
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A Statement from Beck was issued after Mr. George Perry Floyd, Jr., an African American unarmed man, was killed after being publicly tortured for 8 minutes and 46 seconds by police in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020. 
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BECK
 

NIKKI 
GIOVANNI
Author, Poet, Educator &
Native of Knoxville, TN

“I was so inspired by the stories and the history shared as well as all the wonderful work that Beck is doing. A very special day that gave me strength in our journey for racial justice.”
Felicia Gustin, Berkley, CA
“It is with hope for real change, I'm sending this check. Hopefully, we will begin to move toward justice."
Nancy Lindemer, Knoxville, TN
"We endeavor to be part of the solution and wish to partner with the Beck to do our part. Please count on us to provide support to all people of color facing cancer and in any other way that helps our community move forward.”
Beth Hamil, Cancer Support Community of East TN
"I had a wonderful time visiting the Beck Cultural Center! Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful black history of Tennessee.”
Shayla C. Nunnally, Ph.D., Manchester, CT

Over 200 Years of History & Culture

Maurice Franklin Mays

August 30,1919, the race relations climate in Knoxville took a bloody turn and the city became one of the “Red Summer” cities during a time when race riots were erupting all across the nation. Maurice F. Mays, a handsome black man born around 1887, was accused of murdering a white woman and Knoxville erupted in violence. 
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@ The Beck

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