What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth refers to June 19th, and is a commemoration of the day that the last enslaved African Americans were notified of their freedom from captivity – a full two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery in 1865. Juneteenth is a holiday that brings the food, fun, activities, and education, all centering around freedom and appreciation of Black and African American culture and resilience.
EEECS Juneteenth Celebraton
Online event: https://umich.zoom.us/j/99331130203
Passcode: 719944
June 18 from 1-2pm
Website: https://alumni.umich.edu/education-gateway/events-exhibits-lectures/eecs-juneteenth-celebration/
The U of M College of Engineering is hosting their second annual Juneteenth celebration, which includes a performance of the Black National Anthem, a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, a recognition of the first Black woman to earn a BS, MS, and PhD in engineering and physics, and a panel discussion about Black students in STEM education. Opportunities for discussion and questions will follow.
Juneteenth Family Reunion
Catalpa Oaks Park 22705 Greenfield, Southfeld
June 19, 8am-8pm
Website: https://www.juneteenthfamreunion.org/
From morning til night, this is a full day of family fun. Live entertainment, music, food trucks, a host of Black vendors, and activities. Plus, kids and seniors eat free.
Black Wall Street Juneteenth Celebration
DLoft Lounge – 21380 Coolidge Highway, Oak Park
June 19, 1:45pm-6pm
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/detroit-black-wall-street-juneteenth-celebration-tickets-151528462711?aff=erellivmlt
Enjoy food and drinks while shopping with an assortment of local vendors.
Juneteenth Jubilee Stroll on the Avenue of Fashion
Stroll begins at Best Artist Management – 19954 Livernois, Detroit
June 19, 12-6pm
Website: https://nationalblackguide.com/black-events/juneteenth-jubilee-stroll-on-the-historic-avenue-of-fashion.html
The Avenue of Fashion is a historic block of Livernois housing Black owned businesses. Stroll and stop at over 40 businesses offering significant discounts, and a wellness hub offering free resources. Shopping proceeds will benefit local initiatives such as the Black Young Professionals Organization.
Juneteenth Celebration Freedom Art Expo
ZAB Cultural Collective – 16927 E Warren Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods
June 19, 12-5pm
Website: www.zabcultural.com
Come celebrate Juneteenth by taking in an art exhibition presented by local artists and artisans. This will be an indoor and outdoor event.
Lathrup Village’s First Ever Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 4-8pm
Lathrup Village Parks and Recreation Department – 27400 Southfield Road, Lathrup Village
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unity-in-the-community-a-juneteenth-celebration-tickets-153360855447
Food trucks, panel discussions with community leaders, bounce houses, obstacle courses, along with African drum and dance are only a few activities going on at this celebration that is sure to bring families back year after year.
Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration
Civic Center Park – 360 W. 13 Mile Rd, Madison Heights
June 19, 12-5pm
Website: https://madisonheightsjuneteenth.com/
Combining fun with education, the Juneteenth celebration will feature an educational trail, exhibits, activities for kids, vendors, food trucks, and more.
Ferndale Library Juneteenth Celebration
Ferndale District Library – 222 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
June 19, 1-5pm
Website: https://www.ferndalemi.gov/events/juneteenth
Join the community for a full schedule of events. Poetry readings, storytelling, dancers, drum performances, and other live entertainment will be held outdoors in the courtyard.
Juneteenth Moblity Stroll and Roll
City Hall Park Artspace Lofts – 13615 Michigan Ave, Dearborn
June 19, 9am-2pm
Website: https://www.downtowndearborn.org/event/juneteenth-mobility-stroll-roll/
Bike, walk, skateboard, all modes of transportation are welcome along this route commemorating the two years between the legal end of slavery and the actual end. Stops along the route include food trucks and a kids zone.
Buy Black Juneteenth Pop Up Shop
Ypslanti Freighthouse – 100 Market Place, Ypsilanti
June 19, 3-7pm
Website: https://www.annarbor.org/event/buy-black-juneteenth-pop-up-shop/6294/
Support Black businesses in the Washtenaw County area at this clothing-specific pop up shop.
Detroit Waldorf School Juneteenth Celebraton
Online event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84308495491?pwd=RDFFTjRiRXY1L1pKWjZrK3Iwb3ZzZz09
Meeting ID: 843 0849 5491
Passcode: rd96UM
June 19, 10am
Website: https://www.detroitwaldorf.org/calendar/6/3/2021-1
Children will hear of the experiences growing up in the south from an alumni parent, along with readings and music from students. The Waldorf education model is known for providing top-notch education, so this Juneteenth celebration will be an excellent choice for young ones.
Black Art Matters Juneteenth Opening Celebration
Collected Detroit – 2439 4th St, Detroit
June 19, 6-9pm
Website: https://www.blac.media/event-location/collected-detroit
Black Art Matters: My Art is My Voice is an exhibition that pays tribute to the Civil Rights Movement and how Black art matters. Join preeminent Detroit artists on the cutting edge of vibrant creativity at this evening reception.
Juneteenth Jubilee Freedom Weekend at the Wright
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit
June 17-19
The Museum of African American History has a full weekend of online and in person events, including a Campus Martius movie night and a treasure hunt.
Author: Vanessa Howerton
Vanessa is a mom to six crazy and fun boys. She assists her husband in running their family’s nonprofit organization, Chosen Kingdom Builders, that provides housing and mentorship to young adults who have come out of the foster care system. She loves writing, and finds that sitting at the computer creating for Metro Detroit Mommy is the “me time” this boy mom needs. Her Covid hobbies include wondering if she will ever vacation again, and staring out the window dreaming of all-inclusive resorts.
Vanessa is a mom to six crazy and fun boys. She assists her husband in running their family’s nonprofit organization, Chosen Kingdom Builders, that provides housing and mentorship to young adults who have come out of the foster care system. She loves writing, and finds that sitting at the computer creating for Metro Detroit Mommy is the “me time” this boy mom needs. Her Covid hobbies include wondering if she will ever vacation again, and staring out the window dreaming of all-inclusive resorts.
