This year is the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth. Celebrated on June 19, the day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. Observe the holiday in metro Detroit at these local events.
We Rise Above! Puppet Show
Detroit Public Library children’s librarians and artists from Detroit Puppet Company come together for a puppet performance that explores the lives of John Lewis, Mae Jamison, and Amanda Gorman and how they helped increase equality for Black Americans. June 12-14 and 17-18. Detroit Public Library, multiple locations; detroitpubliclibrary.org.
6th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend
Celebrate Juneteenth with an educational and art-driven block party that aims to “educate the community on the importance of Juneteenth, highlight music’s impact on social change, and showcase programs and resources offered by Motown Museum.” The event will offer panel discussions, a vendor marketplace, food trucks, fitness activities, a kids’ area, and much more. June 14-16. Events at the Motown Museum, the Joseph Walker Williams Community Center, and Eastern Market. Detroit; eventbrite.com.
4th Annual Madison Heights Juneteenth Festival
This event kicks off with an opening ceremony that features welcoming remarks and an opening prayer with Darryl Smith, TSGT, US Air Force retiree and a performance by Emmy Award-winning artist Crystal “Kiri” Turner. The main event follows with live music, a food truck rally, a pop-up market with 50 vendors, and plenty of fun for kids including a 25-food climbing tower, bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides, crafts, and more. June 15. Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights; madisonheightsjuneteenth.com.
Juneteenth Fundraiser for the Detroit Justice Center
The Ann Arbor family-owned yarn and craft shop Spun is raising money for Detroit Justice Center in honor of Juneteenth. Make a purchase on select days when 19% of your purchase will go to support the organization’s mission to build a more equitable Detroit. June 18-20. Spun Ann Arbor, 410 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor; spunannarbor.com.
Juneteenth Concert
The Detroit-based band Mollywop! performs a free show for Juneteenth at 6 p.m. Advance registration is required. June 19. The Hawk Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; arts-people.com.
Juneteenth Celebration
The City of Royal Oak is celebrating Juneteenth with a family-friendly events that includes a Freedom Walk, vendor booths, soulful music, horse rides, games, and more. June 19. Royal Oak Centennial Commons and the nearby farmers market building, 221 E. 3rd St., Royal Oak; romi.gov.
Juneteenth Celebration
Emagine Entertainment is showing the movie School Daze for a week in honor of Juneteenth. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit United Negro College Fund and opening night on Juneteenth proper features a meet and greet with actress Dawn Lewis. June 19-26. Emagine Royal Oak, 200 N. Main St., Royal Oak; emagine-entertainment.com.
Juneteenth Detroit 5K Run/Walk
Run or walk in this 5K race to honor Juneteenth and celebrate freedom, unity, and resilience. Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. June 19-23. Glory Supermarket, 14100 Woodward Ave., Highland Park; trisignup.com.
4th Annual Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration
This annual Juneteenth event will feature local vendors and community organization alongside live entertainment, giveaways, and more. June 21-23. Downtown Ypsilanti; ypsireal.com.
Detroit Book City’s Juneteenth Book Fair
This book fair is Michigan’s largest outside Juneteenth book fair and features live stories and folktales from Africa and African Diaspora, a kids’ area full of activities, and a special line-up of authors including Valerie D. Wade, Cashae Brown, Anthony Walker, Deontae Williams, and many others. June 22. Historic People’s Community Church, 8601 Woodward Ave., Detroit; detroitbookcity.com.
Juneteenth Freedom Day
Join the city of Detroit at Spirit Plaza for Black resource groups, spoken word performances, arts and crafts, a DJ, natural vendors, giveaways, and more in honor of Juneteenth. June 22. Spirit Plaza, 1 Woodward Ave., Detroit; detroitmi.gov.
This story originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on June 6.
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