June 17, 2024
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It originated in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived with news that the Civil War had ended and slaves were now free. Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans for nearly 160 years and is recognized as an official holiday in most states, including Michigan.
In recent years, Juneteenth celebrations have grown in popularity across the country. This year, cities around the Detroit Region are hosting various events to honor and celebrate the significance of Juneteenth. Here are some events you can attend to commemorate this historic day.
June 17 | 6-7 p.m.
Join the Detroit Public Library – Campbell for a presentation with Shakiyla Kirkwood, trustee of the historic Second Baptist Church of Detroit and lecturer for the Detroit Underground Railroad Historical Society, on the significance of the Second Baptist Church of Detroit, which functioned as one of the final stops on the Underground Railroad as freedom seekers escaped to Canada. Learn more and register.
June 17-19 | Wayne State University
Join Wayne State University for its annual Juneteenth celebration, a series of events commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and fostering a deeper understanding of the ongoing quest for equality and justice. The series will feature an art exhibition until June 28, panel discussions, and a keynote address by the Rev. Dr. Mayowa Lisa Reynolds, Principal at the Detroit School of Arts and Assistant Pastor at Fellowship Chapel.
June 19 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum is hosting its annual Juneteenth Jubilee, featuring live music, dance performances, storytelling, and interactive activities for all ages designed to highlight and support education, economic independence, and community engagement. Attendees can also visit the museum’s four current exhibitions: And Still We Rise, Double ID, The Audacity to Thrive, and Paths to Freedom. Learn more.
June 19 | 2-7 p.m. | Dequindre Cut
Celebrate Juneteenth on the Dequindre Cut with live music, vendors, food trucks, and more. Located on the eastern border of historic Black Bottom, the Dequindre Cut’s Juneteenth celebration will celebrate Black Bottom’s legacy with storytelling, performances, and interactive opportunities for all ages. Learn more.
June 22 | Noon to 4 p.m. | Nankin Mills Park
Join Wayne County Parks, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and Friends of Wayne County Parks for their third annual Juneteenth Heritage Day. Enjoy live performances, a Black History 101 Mobile Museum, food trucks, lawn games, guided hikes, a photo booth, and more. Learn more.
June 21-23 | South Huron parking lot (behind Puffers Reds)
In collaboration with United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Survivors Speak, A Brighter Way, University Bank, and other partners, the City of Ypsilanti will host a Juneteenth celebration featuring live music, food trucks, raffles, hustle lessons, vendors, youth activities, a Sickle Cell Disease Awareness walk, and more. Learn more.
The event is from 6-9 p.m. on June 21; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 22; 1-7 p.m. on June 23.
