A past Juneteenth event at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, features African drumming.
Photo provided by Edward Foxworth
It’s not lost on Michelle Sourie Robinson, president & CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), what Juneteenth is all about.
Though she proudly celebrates the holiday, also known as “Freedom Day,” on June 19, she recognizes that on June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth) the commemoration of the day stems from the delay of knowledge to the enslaved African-Americans finally freed from bondage in Texas. The state (the last and most remote of the Confederate States) let them know a year and a half after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
“When I think about Juneteenth there is something about it,” she told the Michigan Chronicle recently. “I almost think there is an irony with it that it is a celebration of freedom or liberation, but when you look at the history of it … it’s not a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation itself or even ratification of it.”
Robinson, a native Oklahoman, said that with the holiday, she does her best to inform others on it, among other Black-centered historical topics.
“I try my best to educate and constantly challenge myself with Juneteenth,” she said, adding non-Black people (among others who are not persons of color) should ask, “How can we do better?”
Robinson, who oversees her non-profit organization (aimed to support the creation of generational wealth in communities of color through entrepreneurship) said that doing better starts with laying the proper educational roots on Black history and culture in public schools.
Robinson said that Black Wall Street just commemorated 100 years in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Tulsa-Greenwood Race Massacre in 1921 was noted as a historic event that took place in the evening of May 31, 1921, and into the following day. A white mob of reportedly 5,000-10,000 attacked the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The segregated and bustling Black community of successful businesses was known as Black Wall Street.
She said that she was educated in Oklahoma and didn’t learn about this tragedy in the classroom but on her own.
“I think it is the same with Juneteenth — it is to be celebrated and commemorated,” she said, adding that the next generation has to be taught.
Edward Foxworth, director of External Affairs at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, agrees.
He told the Michigan Chronicle that as people continue to learn how there were 250,000 enslaved people who were not informed that they were free for nearly over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the annual holiday is vital.
“It is hoped that the contributions made by African Americans continues to be added into the fabric of American History,” Foxworth said, adding that as a son of a former Black Panther he celebrates his Blackness every day.
“Throughout my childhood, I’ve had up close and personal experiences with the ongoing struggle to help people move beyond their stations in life,” he said. “From helping with food distribution to watching talks that sought to address police brutality and housing discrimination, I’ve been positively impacted in my efforts to continue promoting the African American journey.”
He said that The Wright is doing it big for Juneteenth with these events:
- On Thursday, June 17, presented by CHASE Bank and T-Mobile, in collaboration with 10 leading Black museums and historical institutions from across the U.S., The Wright Museum will feature on its website, thewright.org, “Juneteenth: Lift Every Voice,” a film documenting the anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” through the eyes of historic museums and anthropologists from across the U.S.
- On Friday, June 18, presented by CHASE Bank’s Advancing Black Pathways initiative, and in collaboration with the Detroit Downtown Partnership, The Wright Museum will screen the film “Concrete Cowboy,” starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin, from 7-10 p.m. at Campus Martius Park. Admission is free.
- On Friday, June 19, with support from CHASE Bank, The Wright Museum will join the City of Detroit’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship, in a citywide treasure hunt activity across various historical sites (including The Wright Museum building). Beginning at noon, The Wright has also partnered with the “Juneteenth Jubilee Stroll”! A weekend dedicated to promoting quality education, economics, and community engagement while highlighting Black-Owned businesses along The Livernois Avenue of Fashion. The stroll will include a day of shopping discounts, health & wellness, pop up artists, DJ’s, and more.
“The Charles H. Wright Museum seeks to open minds and change lives as part of its mission and we encourage people to consider getting their membership as a way of supporting our exhibits, programs and activities. Beyond Juneteenth, we are excited to be in the midst of planning this year’s African World Festival and a Divine 9 Membership Challenge,” Foxworth said.
For more information or to purchase a membership, individuals can visit www.thewright.org.
Beyond the celebrations, Detroit resident Rai LaNier said this commemorative day is great for getting together to have a good time, and also realizing there is still so much to be done.
For LaNier, Wayne County Director at Michigan Liberation, Juneteenth is about liberation at the core.
“This is the day Black people come and we’re free — talking about what freedom means,” she said, adding that the non-profit organization that she helps lead organizes bailout movements, rallies, and champions of change.
For the week of Juneteenth, Michigan Liberation will be hosting a slew of events from panels discussing the incarceration of Black women to how to conduct oneself when pulled over by police.
“There is going to be a pullover clinic (we are) hosting the day before Juneteenth – people can come and learn what happens,” she said of getting pulled over. “(We want to) give people resources.”
She added that the non-profit organization will also discuss plans to make sure Juneteenth is treated like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. Talks of reparation and “dismantling” systems are on tap, too.
“Black people do so much for this country,” she said. “While we celebrate our Blackness and are becoming free, we make it clear to folks we are not free yet and there are ongoing conversations about what that looks like … so we can completely transform the system as we see it now.”
For more information on scheduling visit https://miliberation.org/.
Detroit Councilwoman Janeé Ayers made an official resolution through the Detroit City Council to commemorate Juneteenth as an annual celebration of Black economic liberation.
“Many African Americans have worked and continue to work to build wealth within the Black community,” the resolution read. “The Detroit City Council recognizes Juneteenth, June 19, as an annual celebration of the past, present, and future of Black economic liberation and those who work towards that liberation.”
Other Juneteenth events include:
Detroit Black Wall Street JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
- 5:45 to 10 pm.
- Saturday, June 19
- 21380 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park
This Juneteenth Celebration will kick off Father’s Day weekend June 19 by celebrating liberations. Stop and shop with Detroit-based vendors and enjoy food and the atmosphere.
For more information visit https://nationalblackguide.com.
Juneteenth Jubilee Stroll on the Historic Avenue of Fashion
- Noon to 6 p.m.
- June 19
- BAM Best Artist Management, LLC. 19954 Livernois in Detroit
The 2021 Juneteenth Jubilee celebration will be a full-day stroll of over 30 Black businesses with discounts, education, special presentations, and more. The Juneteenth Jubilee Stroll is a shopping experience supporting Detroit Black businesses along the Livernois Avenue of Fashion.
Proceeds and support from this event will benefit Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit educational initiatives and Black-owned partner organizations such as Black Young Professionals of Metro Detroit.
For more information find the event on https://www.eventbrite.com/.
Juneteenth Mobility Stroll and Roll in Dearborn
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, June 19
- Beginning at Michigan & Schaefer in East Downtown Dearborn.
Attendees are invited to represent their community block club, housing division, church, mosque, temple, artists club, women’s club, board, household, staff, student group, or choir for this inaugural event.
The event will mobilize on Michigan Avenue named after Lake Michigan, also known as US-12, the historic road that originates in downtown Detroit and continues to Dearborn, Chicago, and runs to Aberdeen, Washington, together attendees will walk, bike, roll or stroll to re-enact the route of emancipation, according to an event release. The route will begin at Michigan Avenue and Schaefer unto the borders of Dearborn and Detroit crossover on Wyoming Avenue and end at City Hall Park. Rest stops are planned along the route and more.
Join the group at 13615 Michigan Avenue as they will meet up safely together to celebrate the event.
The Juneteenth Mobility Stroll and Roll, hosted by the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority. The event will kick off with a 9 a.m. prayer that day with Christ Episcopal Church, Rector Rev. Terri C. Pilarski, and Burning Bush International Ministries Bishop Don. W. Shelby.
Other events are on tap in Dearborn for more information visit https://www.downtowndearborn.org/event/juneteenth-mobility-stroll-roll/.
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