This summer 2024 came in hot! It’s now June and the festivities are still kickin’, but let’s give ourselves a moment to reflect on the coming Juneteenth Detroit 2024 events. This year, Juneteenth falls on Wednesday, June 19. Celebrated annually on June 19, this day commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
Are you ready for this year’s “Freedom Fest”? Participate in plenty of other similar Juneteenth celebrations that will be collaborating with great partners to put on live events. Black culture is taking over the streets in Detroit & metro Detroit. Enjoy great eats/food trucks, drinks, jubilees/festivals, live music, and more fun that fills you up. You can expect to see lots of Juneteenth sales from your favorite small local Detroit businesses and brands as well.
You’ll have the whole week and an extra weekend this year! Detroitisit rounded up a meaningful list of Juneteenth Detroit 2024 events to feel more connected to your identity and community as there is a predominantly black community living in Detroit.
WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?
The Detroit community and those who celebrate this significant day already know the meaning of it, but it’s always good to read in words the significance at its core. “Juneteenth” is what the celebration is commonly referred to, but people also say “Freedom Day,” “Juneteenth National Independence Day,” or “Emancipation Day. Join in on the “oldest-known celebration” of freedom in America for all of the slaves held captive. On June 19, 1865, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger delivered to the people of Galveston, Texas, General Order No. 3, which declared that “all slaves are free.” Juneteenth was designated as a federal holiday in 2021 and the Motor City is proud to honor it as such.
JUNETEENTH FREEDOM FEST
Date & Time: June 16
You won’t want to miss the highlight of Juneteenth Detroit events with the annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest. Bring the whole family and your friends for live entertainment, activities for kids, black business vendors and more! Presented by the Michigan Black Business Alliance, it will be a full day of festivities and fundraising. This event is in partnership with the City of Detroit, Detroit Branch NAACP, Juneteenth Jubilee, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance, Detroit Public Schools, and more. Eastern Market in Detroit is the place to be this summer and every summer.
Location: Eastern Market, 2934 Russell Detroit
JUNETEENTH JUBILEE
Date & Time: Friday, June 14th
Juneteenth Detroit 2024 events are coming in full force with the energy of the Juneteenth Jubilee. The Motor City is creating a tune of triumph with this free event in collaboration with the Motown Museum. Kick off the weekend with an “artsy” block party. This event is intended to be an interactive and educational experience. Learn more about the importance of Juneteenth through music and its transformative social shifts as well as participate in Motown Museum programs and resources. All eyes and ears will be on the Black community as individuals will share their art and poetry. To “dance in the streets” and feel liberated, click HERE to register for free.
Location: Motown Museum, 2648 West Grand Boulevard Detroit
JUNETEENTH JUBILEE CELEBRATION
Date & Time: Monday, June 19th from 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth Detroit events with another Jubilee! Join in for another year of celebration of the power of freedom for Juneteenth at the Wright. Each year is thoughtfully curated with special activities designed to magnify education/resources with economic independence and community at the core. Bring your young ones along for an enriching experience of their own with youth activities at their indoor & outdoor café. Click HERE to learn more about this anticipated event on The Charles H. Wright Museum website, which includes a full schedule of events filled with performances.
Location: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
6TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FAMILY REUNION
Date & Time: Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 12-8 p.m.
Spread the word and join in on the largest and longest-running Juneteenth event in Oakland County! Beginning on June 14, this 3-day weekend of education, entertainment, and empowerment. You can also become a sponsor. Bring the family for a heritage celebration that includes food, music, games, and celebrating our heritage. Click HERE to learn more about this event and reserve your free spot.
Location: Catalpa Oaks County Park, 27705 Greenfield Rd, Southfield
DETROIT HISTORICAL MUSEUM EVENTS
This list of Juneteenth Detroit events wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the Detroit Historical Museum and all of the family events they have that are free and open to the public. It will be an enriching experience that explores black culture from the past and present. Location: 5401 Woodward, Detroit
Join in on these upcoming events:
These Flowers Belong to Me
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 19 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Detroit Historical Museum
Free with registration (all-ages. Event includes a hands-on activity and millinery program). This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is preferred but walk-ins are also welcome. Families are welcome to celebrate featured artist and activist, Kwaku Osei-Bonsu and his exhibition: These Flowers Belong to Me.
Juneteenth Panel Discussion
Lunch Counters and Activism: A thought-provoking panel discussion in connection with the new exhibition Kresge at 100: A Century of Impact, a Future of Opportunity. Click HERE to view the DHS website for more info.
BLACK LEGACY ADVANCEMENT COALITION AND SHAKE SHACKS IN ANN ARBOR, DETROIT, AND LIVONIA
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 19 from 10 AM -10 PM
This Juneteenth, the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition is partnering with Shake Shack restaurants across Southeast Michigan. Sales for all! When you mention “Donation Day” at the register, 25% of all sales will fund BLAC’s work with young adults in the community. Learn more about their work with the Ground Up Project. Click HERE to view the the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition website for more information.
DBC’S JUNETEENTH BOOK FAIR 2024
Date & Time: Saturday, June 22 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth Detroit 2024 events that are FREE! Read any good books this summer? How about from any black authors? Native Detroit authors? Detroit Book City is giving you access to some spectacular indie authors. You’ll have a chance to meet them and buy their books that amplify the voices of injustice & black culture, plus keep the revolution alive through intellectual literacy for all. Freedom is at the hands of these excellent reads by authors with backgrounds many Detroiters can relate to. Bring the kids along for the KIDZONE. Don’t miss out on “Michigan’s largest outdoor Juneteenth Book Fair 2024”! Click HERE to see the author lineup and reserve your spot.
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