Juneteenth — which commemorates the ending of slavery in the U.S. — falls on June 19. Celebrate the holiday at these events throughout Detroit
By Ashlyn Delaney
On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Union general Gordon Granger read a momentous announcement: all enslaved African Americans in the state were to be emancipated. The commemoration of that event, now known as Juneteenth (or its other name, Freedom Day”), recognizes those who showed courage and perseverance through extremely difficult times and celebrates African American history and achievements. In other words, it’s something to be celebrated!
This Juneteenth, commemorate those who suffered by celebrating and supporting the black community at a variety of events throughout Detroit.
How to celebrate:
Juneteeth Virtually at the Wright
In honor of this Juneteenth, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is going virtual. Enjoy free live musical performances held on the 17th and virtual museum tours on the 19th.
Cost: Free
Detroit is the New Black Juneteeth Block Party
1430 Woodward Ave
Detroit is the New Black will be hosting a socially distant block party on June 19th. Participate in the black business crawl from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. and catch a movie in the alley from 9:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Plus: Enjoy music, DJs, performers, vendors, live painters, dance cypher and free masks! Visit @detroitisthenewblack on Instagram for more information.
Cost: Free
City of Detroit Celebration
The civil rights, inclusion and opportunity department will be celebrating Juneteenth with a series of powerful discussions that celebrate black history and culture through Facebook Live. View the full schedule below and visit the City of Detroit’s Facebook page to join the conversations.
Black Businesses Matters
Jun 17
4 p.m.
Black Education Matters
Jun 17
6 p.m.
Growing the Black Dollar: How to Build Wealth in the Black Community
Jun 17
7:30 p.m.
Council President Brenda Jones Presents Black Voices on Black Lives – with special guest Judge Greg Mathis
Jun 18
5 p.m.
Criminal Justice Reform – Fixing a Broken System
Jun 18
6 p.m.
Council President Brenda Jones & Council Member Janee Ayers Co-host Coffee and Conversation on Criminal Justice Reform
Jun 18
9 a.m.
Juneteeth Freedom Rally Spirit Plaza
2 Woodward Ave. Detroit
Jun 19
10 a.m.
Visit detroitmi.gov for more information regarding these events.
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1 Comment
Julie Chang Genser
June 18, 2020 at 5:01 PMWhere do I log in to see the 5pm and 6om conversations on reforms in the Criminal Justice System???