Juneteenth, typically celebrated on June 19, is the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln. To honor this important day, more than a dozen Juneteenth celebrations will take place this week across Metro Detroit. This guide will help you plan Juneteenth events across the area and help emphasize Detroit’s commitment to community, remembrance, and celebration of its Black history.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History plans its main celebration on Friday, June 19, starting at 9 a.m. and running until 5:30 p.m. Visitors can join a freedom-themed treasure hunt, take part in crafts and quilting workshops, and watch live performances. At 10:30, there will be a community bike ride, and from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., enjoy the Honoring the Ancestors Through Rhythm and Dance workshop. From 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. enjoy Mollywop! Concert.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, through the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, will hold its celebration, Juneteenth at Wilson: The Stories of Us, on Friday, June 19, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Music and dance performances take center stage, with African drumming bringing traditional sounds. Art, poetry, and spoken word sessions let people share their voices, and food and drink will be available for purchase at 1801 W. Jefferson. Entrance fees vary.
The Oakland County Juneteenth Celebrations take place on Thursday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oakland County Circuit Court at 1200 N. Telegraph. Families and individuals can enjoy live entertainment, free ice cream, dining from food trucks, and special guest speakers.
Additional free gatherings are planned across downtown areas. Royal Oak celebrates at the Farmers Market on Friday, June 19, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with live entertainment, food trucks, and vendors. Oak Park starts its celebration with a Freedom Walk at 8 a.m. on the same day.
The free Juneteenth Parade and Celebration kicks off on Friday, June 19, starting at 9 a.m. at 14100 Woodward Ave. in Avalon Village. At 3 p.m., the Juneteenth Family Day Freedom Festival begins. Black-owned vendors will sell wares, kids can participate in fun activities, and there will be food and live performances at the eco-village campus.
Alliah L. Agostini will appear at Ann Arbor District Library on Thursday, June 18. This presentation will give residents and businesses ideas on how to celebrate Juneteenth at home and throughout the community. On June 19 at 10:30 a.m., Ms. Audrey will host a storytelling presentation through music and diverse instruments.
Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church in Clawson will host a community picnic on Thursday, June 18, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Weekend gatherings include Madison Heights Civic Center Campus on Saturday, June 20 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. A petting zoo and pony rides delight younger visitors, and educational exhibits teach history. Flint Cultural Center holds its celebration the same day from 11am to 4pm. A Freedom March at noon gets led by Hamady High School’s marching band.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source wcsx.com ’
