The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s annual Juneteenth event will celebrate the complexity of the American story with music and dance performances, art, interactive activities and more during a free and family-friendly event.
“Juneteenth at Wilson: The Stories of Us” takes place on Friday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. The park is located at 1801 W. Jefferson in Detroit.
Presented by Huron-Clinton Metroparks, the free event is themed around storytelling and will provide the opportunity for attendees of all ages to learn about and share nuanced, contextualized American stories that celebrate the freedom Juneteenth represents.
The popular and moving “The Stories of Us” public art and storytelling exhibition that is currently installed at the 22-acre park plays a prominent role in the Juneteenth celebration. In addition to Ralph Wilson Park, there are “The Stories of Us” installations at the Detroit Public Library and the Joe Louis Greenway also.
The exhibition features 25 large-scale sculptures shaped like West African talking drums that tell a story centered around the Black experience and shared civic imagination. Eight of the drums are on display at Ralph Wilson Park.
The exhibit was co-founded by Ashley Shaw Scott Adjaye, Dennis Marcus and Wei Soo with the goal of creating art that unites people of all backgrounds while providing a space for everyone to learn from the past, understand the present and reimagine the future. Adjaye will provide guided tours of the exhibit at 11:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Juneteenth event kicks off with a traditional African drum and dance performance by Nanou Djiapo African Drum and Dance followed by Detroit Drum and Dance, which will provide an interactive drum and dance experience.
The theme of storytelling continues with performances from Inside Out Literary poets who have composed pieces inspired by the exhibit. Afterward, The Stories of Us co-founder Ashley Shaw Scott Adjaye will lead a panel discussion featuring some of the local artists who contributed to the exhibit.
The event concludes with a headlining performance by Detroiter Rev. Robert Jones, an inspirational storyteller, singer, instrumentalist, ordained minister and visual artist celebrating the history of American Roots music. He is known worldwide for his ability to seamlessly blend storytelling and music.
Jones is accomplished on guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and ukulele. He has recorded six albums of original and traditional songs.
The scheduled day of events is as follows:
11 to 11:45 a.m. — Nanou Djiapo African Drum and Dance
Noon to 12:45 p.m. — Detroit Drum and Dance
1 to 1:30 p.m. — Inside Out Youth Poetry Performances
1:30 to 2 p.m. — Artist Panel: The Stories of Us
2 to 3 p.m. — Musical Performance by Rev. Robert Jones
Other Juneteenth at Wilson highlights include the Michigan Black Business Alliance hosting a market featuring local vendors during the event. The City of Detroit’s Clerk Office will also be on-site with voter registration information. Additionally, Sip & Read Bookstore, which is located in Corktown, will be on-site with books for sale.
Arts & Scraps will be at the event with a free activity that allows attendees to make their own colorful drum to take home.
Several local food trucks will have food and drink available for purchase.
Free parking for the Conservancy’s Juneteenth at Wilson celebration is available at the Assembly Garage, which is located at 1701 W. Lafayette.
