Experience Juneteenth in Metro Detroit!

Juneteenth is here and there is much to celebrate, learn and reflect on.

First, a little background on this holiday. When the Emancipation
Proclamation became official in 1863, President Lincoln declared an end to
slavery in the southern states. However, the enslaved people of Texas remained
unaware of this monumental legislation until two years later, on June 19, 1865.

On June 17, 2021, President Biden, signed a bill inaugurating June 19th as
Juneteenth National Independence Day, a nationally recognized US federal
holiday.

The Detroit Regional Chamber shares in a June 2021 article why and how Celebrating
Juneteenth Matters for Everyone.

Here in Detroit, Juneteenth will continue to be celebrated through various
expressions and spaces making room for everyone to learn, experience, and get
involved in community engagements. From festivals to movie screenings, retail
specials, art exhibits, and more, there’s something for everyone to dive into.

Detroit

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is celebrating the holiday with the Juneteenth Freedom Fest on Sunday, June 18 at the Eastern Market. Check out the museum’s pop-up highlighting the 60th anniversary of the Walk of Freedom.

Or join the Charles Wright Museum of African American History in virtual presentations and discussions throughout the year as they share parts of their well-known core exhibit, And Still We Rise. This presentation will focus on Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) and will be a fitting prelude to their annual Juneteenth celebration. They will explore Douglas’ views on freedom, and take a close look at his notable speech about Independence Day, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” (1852).

Catch a movie screening of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” at Campus Martius, on June 14.

Check out the Jubilee Stroll on the Avenue of Fashion which takes place on Saturday, June 17, and features entertainment along with an HBCU tailgate with a Greek stroll-off competition.

Take a tour with the Detroit Historical Society at the Detroit Historical Museum and learn about Detroit’s African American Perspective. Dates will vary.

At the Lincoln Detroit Public Library is the Juneteenth Family Freedom Day Festival, , on Friday, June 16. It is an event that celebrates the heritage, freedom, and excellence of African Americans with 2.5 hours of entertainment, food, storytelling, a parade, and fun! This event is free and open to the public.

At this year’s Jazzin’ at the Vanity Music Festival on Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, festivalgoers can expect two fun-filled days of live jazz and blues performances by some of the biggest names in the city. Jazzin’ at the Vanity will provide a variety of food and dessert trucks for all to enjoy, while also incorporating the East Jefferson Marketplace featuring an abundance of retail vendors and pop-up shops.

Wayne

The Juneteenth Heritage Day on Saturday June 17 in Westland has a community celebration with storytelling, music, food vendors, crafts, and art along with a Kid Zone.

Oakland

Emagine Entertainment's Juneteenth Film Festival on June 2-29, 2023 is to honor Black actors/actresses, writers, directors, and filmmakers through films that present compelling moral stories and educate on racism and Black history. The film festival showcases a different set of films each week. The festival will take place in Michigan at Emagine Royal Oak. Tickets are only $5 and all proceeds will go to UNCF.

Celebrate freedom at the 2023 Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17 at Civic Center Park (13 Mile & John R). The festival – hosted by Madison Heights Citizens United – will feature entertainment, food trucks, vendor booths, educational exhibits, children’s activities, and speakers.

The Curators of Black Excellence is hosting the Juneteenth Family Reunion on Saturday, June 17 in Southfield, which is a safe, inter-generational family-focused event featuring the best in Black culture, food, and entertainment. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, education, and empowerment in the city of Southfield and celebrate Juneteenth!

The Juneteenth Creation of Freedom on Monday, June 19 in Ferndale is hosted by Painting with a Twist. Create a painting based on what feelings Juneteenth inspires. This is an adult-only event.

Macomb

Juneteenth Festival and Art Show on Friday June 16 and Saturday June 17 presented by Downtown Mt. Clemens and Girls in Real Situations in downtown Mt. Clemens is two days of reflection and remembrance. The event will feature an arts and craft show, guest speakers, music, and entertainment along with food vendors.

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