Nashville to commemorate Juneteenth at Fort Negley

Nashville's celebration of the Juneteenth holiday takes place Wednesday at Fort Negley Park.

What to expect: The event, called Juneteenth615, will feature food trucks, fireworks, African drummers, live music, a proclamation ceremony and an appearance from Mayor Freddie O'Connell.

Organizers say the event will be a time for reflection and rejoicing.

Zoom in: The celebration of Juneteenth at Fort Negley carries historical significance for Nashville.

What he's saying: "The event Wednesday at Fort Negley is at a site that tells an important Nashville story. More than 2,700 free and escaped black people built Fort Negley for the Union," O'Connell spokesperson Alex Apple said in a statement. "[The fort] played a key role in defending it at the Battle of Nashville - the largest participation of black soldiers in the Civil War.

• "Decades later, the city restored Fort Negley - the largest expenditure of city funds in the nation for the preservation of a Civil War site," Apple said.

Go deeper: Learn more about Nashville's Juneteenth615 celebration .