June 19, 1865. A date that speaks of freedom delayed. On that day, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced what should have already been a reality. The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared all enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. Yet for more than two years, Black people in Texas remained shackled—by law, by silence, by strategy. When General Order No. 3 was finally read aloud, the news spread through Galveston’s plantations, streets, and port cities: slavery was no longer legal in the United States. It took 900 days for that truth to reach the people it concerned most.
This is the foundation of Juneteenth. Not simply a commemoration of liberation, but a reckoning with delay. A truth that underscores how systemic neglect has always been a barrier to Black progress.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II recently proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day in Michigan. Their message reached across generations—naming the day as a time to honor African American history, celebrate the journeys and victories of Black Americans, and remember the long and unfinished road toward justice.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom where we recognize our nation’s past, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and recommit ourselves to building a better, brighter future for our all kids,” said Governor Whitmer. “In Michigan, we are proud to honor Juneteenth not only through our words, but with our actions. We come together to uplift Black voices and double down our mission year-round to invest in every region of the state, knock down barriers to opportunity, and ensure everyone, no matter who they are, has a fair shot at a more prosperous future.”
Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, the highest-ranking Black elected official in Michigan’s history, offered this reflection: “Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community. As we honor Juneteenth, let us recommit ourselves to fighting for justice, opportunity, and dignity for every Michigander. This day is about truth, resilience, and progress. It’s about understanding the pain of the past and keeping faith in the promise of the future. Let us keep Standing Tall for equality and justice for all.”
The promise of Juneteenth means nothing without the protection of policy. It’s not enough to remember a moment if we ignore the systems that delayed it. General Order No. 3 was an act of law, but it didn’t arrive by accident—it was enforced through government intervention. Black freedom was not granted through kindness, it was mandated by policy backed with power. That truth still applies. Progress only becomes permanent when it is written into law and defended in courtrooms, schools, housing systems, and health care institutions. When Black communities are left without policy safeguards, history repeats itself. Recognition without regulation leads to erasure. Every celebration of Juneteenth must include a demand for protected rights, not symbolic gestures. Because without policy, freedom is performative.
Across Michigan, this proclamation is more than symbolic. Juneteenth is officially recognized as a state holiday. Government offices will close. State employees will take the day to reflect, to celebrate, or to march forward. But the meaning cannot end at recognition. History has shown that delay in action carries generational consequences. The federal government declared Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021. The acknowledgment was overdue, but essential. It provided institutional weight to a truth Black families have carried and celebrated for decades. Not because they were told to, but because they knew freedom requires remembrance.
This year, Detroit will uplift Juneteenth through culture, history, and community presence. From public concerts to powerful speeches, the city will not only remember the past—it will make space for the future. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will host two free community concerts featuring music from Black composers at Greater Grace Temple. Before the performances begin, families will be able to explore hands-on activities designed to deepen cultural understanding.
At Hart Plaza, a block party will take place with food, performances, and music as part of the Hart of Detroit Summer Fest. Admission is $18. The celebration speaks to a culture that has always created joy in spite of struggle.
Hamtramck Stadium will honor Juneteenth through sport and storytelling. The festivities will feature a homerun derby and remarks from Dale Hale, grandson of Eulyn “Red” Hale, who once played for the Detroit Stars of the Negro Leagues. The legacy of Black athletes who built American baseball from segregated sidelines continues to be celebrated where they once played.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, a cornerstone of Detroit’s cultural landscape, will host a program with remarks from museum president Neil A. Barclay and Detroit’s city historian Jamon Jordan. These reflections will explore Juneteenth’s relevance, and the meaning it holds for a city that has always served as a blueprint for Black excellence and endurance.
“Today we remember the day that gave a blessing that rendered Black individuals free—an awaited day that came far too many years delayed,” said State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. “In this day and age, we’ve witnessed hate continue to rise. With diversity, equity and inclusion blatantly under attack and attempts to erase Black history mounting, we must all do our parts to continue combatting division in our state and country. As we remember the past, we must all find strength to channel nonviolence, kindness and perseverance to free our society from the systemic and systematic oppression that continues to pull down Black and Brown people. Today we remember and we continue to rise above the tribulations that remain.”
DeWaun Robinson, chair of the 53rd annual Traditional Flint Juneteenth, centered his remarks on the blood, labor, and brilliance of Black people in America. “We recognize the diligence of our ancestors who made the ultimate sacrifice by building this country through blood, sweat, and tears, and acknowledge our contributions to civilization,” Robinson said. “Juneteenth signifies the trials and tribulations of African Americans, but also highlights the strength of our culture to advance this nation. The blood of our people is embedded within the soil of this country. For Black history is American history. Our story is not lost; everything is aligning through spiritual divinity. The time is now to stand on the right side of the struggle. Be bold, live diligently, and stay strong in the fight.”
Minister Teferi Brent, BLAC Safety & Justice Chair, focused on how liberation translates into institutional culture. “When people are allowed to show up as their authentic selves they will always authentically perform at the highest level of proficiency and productivity,” Brent stated. “This act not only benefits the employees directly impacted but it also benefits employers.”
Harold A. Pope, president of the NAACP Lansing Branch, brought it back to foundational truth. “Juneteenth marks the true end of slavery in the United States, a painful and pivotal chapter in our nation’s history.” He cited Ida B. Wells, saying, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” For Pope, Juneteenth remains that light.
“For me, Juneteenth is a sacred reminder that while freedom was delayed, it was never denied,” said Dr. Shawnrece Butler, Assistant Vice President for Opportunity, Empowerment, and People at Northern Michigan University. “I carry the hope and courage of those who came before me—and I work each day to make space for those yet to come.”
This is not a holiday that exists for comfort. It exists to confront. It challenges institutions, schools, and workplaces to move beyond acknowledgments. Juneteenth is a call to examine policies, reckon with disparities, and preserve the full narrative of Black America. That includes protecting our voting rights, eliminating environmental racism, expanding access to healthcare, and defending educational spaces where Black children are safe to learn their full history.
This country has a documented history of delaying justice. Juneteenth is a memorial to that pattern, and a mirror reflecting the work that remains. But more than that, it is proof of endurance. Black freedom has always been self-advocated. It has never come from silence. It has always required courage. And it always will.
