How to celebrate Juneteenth in Metro Detroit

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