In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday to celebrate the end of slavery in America. However, many communities celebrated the day prior to it becoming a federal holiday, especially in Texas where it originated.
On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were freed. This day has since been celebrated as Emancipation Day in Texas.
While Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19, several events will be held in the area to celebrate leading up to the holiday.
June 15
2023 Juneteenth, Freedom Day Celebration – University of Michigan
The celebration this year includes a community prayer breakfast, a black film festival, and the Kidz Zone tent at the Top of the Park. The event will feature a variety of panel discussions on a variety of topics, including housing discrimination and voter suppression.
911 N. University, Ann Arbor.
June 16
Kidzone A2SF: Juneteenth Cakewalk – U-M Juneteenth Planning Committee
Attendees will learn about the origins of the now very popular cake walk. After learning the history, they will participate in a modern cake walk. Winners will receive large prepackaged candy bars or other candy treats in lieu of providing cake.
881 N. University, Ann Arbor.
June 16-18
Ypsilanti’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Community events are planned throughout Ypsilanti. Everything from vendors, resources, a kids area, live music, food and more will be available to celebrate Juneteenth.
107 Ferris St, Ypsilanti.
June 17
29th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Unity Walk
Join the Ann Arbor branch of the NAACP for the Unity Community March from Fuller Park to Wheeler Park. Enjoy the cakewalk, entertainment, food, family activities and more at Wheeler Park after the Community Unity Walk.
200 Depot St, Ann Arbor.
June 15-19
The Fifth Annual Farmington Area Juneteenth Celebration
This free weekend-long celebration features speakers, family films, fellowship and more. It will be held at United Methodist Church Nardin Park.
29887 W. Eleven Mile Rd, Farmington Hills.
Canton Juneteenth Community Celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth with Canton Township and Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, Ypsilanti Chapter, at Liberty Fest. Featuring guest speakers, live music, black owned businesses, an African Mobile Museum and activities for kids.
1150 S Canton Center, Canton.
FUTURE FEST: An Afro-Futuristic Art & Music Festival
An Afro-futuristic art and music festival hosted by NETTEworks Artistry Entertainment and Underground Resistance 313 at Black Bottom Park in Detroit.
905 East Milwaukee Ave, Detroit.
June 17
Juneteenth Celebration & the 50th Anniversary of the WGPR Museum
Enjoy delicious food from local black-owned food trucks, music from DJ Fingers, and more. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go towards helping support the WGPR museum. The museum features the history of WGPR-TV62, the first African American owned and operated television station in the United States.
3146 East Jefferson Ave, Detroit.
June 18
Juneteenth Freedom Fest at Eastern Market
This event features food, family and fun. Food vendors, artisans, a kids zone with child care volunteers and a wristband accessible Grown Zone will be at the event.
2934 Russell St, Detroit.
