Detroit, MI
Detroit hosts 7th annual Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom
What is Newlab?
Originally founded in Brooklyn, Newlab provides tech startups with a place to develop their products and expand their manufacturing capabilities. Located in the Albert Khan-designed former Detroit Public Schools Book Depository building in Corktown, Newlab Detroit is the venture platform’s second development center. The 270,000-squarefoot facility opened in 2023 and is situated within the 30-acre Michigan Central Innovation District. Newlab Detroit attracts global and local startups like metro Detroit’s Sharrow Marine, which makes advanced propellers.
“Detroit is still the best place in the world to make anything,” says Greg Sharrow, founder and CEO of Sharrow Marine. “It’s incredible that Michigan Central and Newlab exist here and that inventors are able to take advantage of those resources.”
How can a business become a member at Newlab Detroit?
More than 100 companies apply for Newlab Detroit residency every year, making membership an exclusive commodity. While membership is not restricted to hard-tech startups, the space is primarily designed to accommodate them. If an application is accepted, the monthly membership cost is $250.
What does Newlab Detroit provide members?
In addition to a fl oating desk, one of the biggest advantages Newlab o ers is access to the workshop. There, members can learn how to use state-ofthe- art technology that would otherwise be too costly for a startup to purchase. Other perks include access to Newlab’s manufacturing network and community of investors.
How many startups operate out of Newlab Detroit?
Currently, a blend of more than 100 local, national, and global companies operate out of Newlab Detroit. International startups currently make up roughly 15% of the community.
What kinds of products come out of Newlab Detroit?
The products developed at Newlab are as diverse as the people who create them. Technologies range from body temperature-reactive heating and cooling tiles to underwater robots designed to prevent water main breaks.
This story originally appeared in the June 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition
Emerging as the PWHL’s Defender of the Year made Tuesday night a special one for Megan Keller. Doing so in her hometown made it doubly so.Keller, a Farmington Hills native, earned recognition as the PWHL’s top blueliner this season with the Boston Fleet during a ceremony at One Campus Martius. She recorded 22 points in 30 games in addition to her stout defense.
“It’s an incredible honor,” Keller said. “Obviously, though, it’s a reflection of the team. I’ve got such great teammates. My D partner, also up for the award, Haley Winn.
“And goaltending Aerin Frankel, MVP, one of the best goalies in the world — makes my job super easy, and it was just so fun to come to the rink every day. We had such a special group, so to be a part of that, I’m just really thankful.”Winn earned Rookie of the Year, and Boston Fleet coach Kris Sparre earned Coach of the Year in his first campaign at the helm. He’s on to PWHL Hamilton next year, one of four expansion teams alongside Detroit. He had high praise for Keller, particularly for her athleticism and skill set. “I’ve said this before, and I’m sure this will ruffle some feathers from players that I’ve coached in the past, but she’s hands down my favorite professional athlete that I’ve coached in my 11 years,” Sparre said. “She deserves all the accolades that she gets.”
Keller’s name may ring a bell for her Olympic heroics, particularly February’s nifty move she used to score the golden goal for Team USA over Canada in the Milano-Cortina games. That’s the 30-year-old’s second Olympic gold medal of her career.Keller has also been a major proponent of expanding women’s hockey in Michigan, through both the creation of a varsity team at the University of Michigan and through a PWHL team. Fans who chanted “we want a team” at Little Caesars Arena will get their wish this year. Keller is ecstatic.“I’m so happy for the city of Detroit, the state of Michigan,” Keller said. “I think they’ve deserved a team for a long time.“I’ve gotten the opportunity to come back and play in the takeover tour games here at LCA, and the crowd that showed up, all the girls that were in the stands — I was a youth hockey player just like them growing up in all these rinks across Michigan.
“And for them to have a women’s professional team and role models to look up to every single night is going to be huge for them. I thought I was going to play on the Red Wings growing up, and to see their role models each and every day and know that they have a dream that can turn it into reality — it’s super special, and I’m so excited for what’s to come for them.”cearegood@detroitnews.com
@ConnorEaregood
J.T. Compher and Jesse Compher are the first NHL/PWHL siblings to play in the same city.
J.T. Compher and Jesse Compher are the first NHL/PWHL siblings to play in the same city.
Activities are planned throughout metro Detroit this week to celebrate the federal holiday known as Juneteenth, which marks Black Americans’ freedom from slavery.
On June 19, 1865, institutionalized slavery ended in Texas, the last state where it remained two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The date officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, credited largely to the activist Opal Lee, known as the grandmother of Juneteenth.
Here is a sampling of events planned to mark the event this week:
∎ Wednesday, June 17
Juneteenth jazz & blues concert: An evening of jazz and blues in honor of the celebration of Juneteenth. Hosted by the Friends of the Southfield Public Library, in the library meeting room, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield. More information here.
∎ Thursday, June 18
Juneteenth Family Paint Party: Children ages 5+ and their caregivers can join artist Candace Dove in the family-friendly activity of creating Juneteenth paintings at the Detroit Public Library Bowen branch. All supplies will be provided, and registration is required. Runs from 6-7 p.m. Event is at 3648 Vernor Highway, Detroit. More information here.
∎ Friday, June 19
“Juneteenth at Wilson: The stories of us,” sponsored by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, will celebrate “the complexity of the American story” with music, dance, art and interactive activities on June 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free, family-friendly event takes place at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park at 1801 W. Jefferson in Detroit. The event, presented by Huron-Clinton Metroparks, has a storytelling theme that encourages attendees to share stories that celebrate the freedom Juneteenth represents. More info here.
Juneteenth Forever Detroit parade and celebration, 9 am-1 p.m. June 19, starting at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2080 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit. End point is at the Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center, 8431 Rosa Parks Boulevard, Detroit. Admission is free. More info here.
Juneteenth at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: The museum celebrates freedom of enslaved African Americans through commemorative ceremonies, silent disco yoga, cultural performances, educational workshops, and film.10 am- 5 p.m. June 19. Free, Wright Museum, 315 East Warren Avenue, Detroit. More information here.
Hart Plaza Juneteenth Block Party: This daylong block party is all-ages and family-friendly, consisting of art displays, activities, food, musical performances, and creative vendors. Runs noon-5 p.m.; ticketed concerts including Fetty Wap and Kash Doll start after 5 p.m., Hart Plaza. More info here.
Ypsilanti’s annual Juneteenth celebration: Ypsilanti hosts its annual Juneteenth Celebration over three days in the downtown area, June 19-21. Event includes community organizations, live performances, local vendors, and a kids’ corner. Times vary. More info here.
∎ Saturday, June 20
Freedom Festival at Rouge Park: Free festival fun with food trucks, vendors, bounce houses, face painting, and haircuts, along with live performances such as African drumming, dancing, music, storytelling, poetry, and more. 12-4 p.m. June 20. Free. Rouge Park (Joy & Spinoza Green space). More information here.
athomas@detroitnews.com
-
Los Angeles, Ca48 minutes agoPopular raisin company condemns heir’s alleged antisemitic remarks
-
San Francisco, CA1 hour agoDriver of bullet-riddled car flees North Bay deputies over Golden Gate Bridge
-
Dallas, TX1 hour agoCroatia fans rock cowboy style in Dallas parade ahead of match with England
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoThe Shade Room (@theshaderoom)
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoBoston braces for Sail250: 60 tall ships and 4 million visitors – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoMecca Sports Bar in Denver allowed to continue operations after settlement agreement
-
Seattle, WA2 hours agoAbout the Army helicopters over north West Seattle
-
San Diego, CA2 hours ago‘Great feeling’ for Iraqis in El Cajon as they celebrate competing in first World Cup since 1986
