Oakland County’s second annual Juneteenth celebration is set to be a remarkable event, shining a spotlight on the Underground Railroad and its vital role in the fight for freedom. This year’s festivities, scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, will take place near the south entrance of the Oakland County Circuit Court building in Pontiac, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Underground Railroad, a secret network of routes and safe houses, provided a lifeline for enslaved Black people seeking freedom. Oakland County’s recognition of this historical legacy is both a tribute and a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for equality and justice. The Juneteenth event, open to the public and the media, will culminate in the raising of the Juneteenth flag, commemorating the official end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.
Carol Bacak-Egbo, historian for Oakland County Parks and Recreation, will narrate the harrowing yet inspiring story of the Parker family. Escaping the shackles of slavery in Wood County, Virginia, the Parkers navigated the perilous paths of the Underground Railroad, ultimately finding refuge in Pontiac. As founding members of the Newman African Methodist Episcopal Church, their legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the community. Although buried in unmarked graves in Oak Hill Cemetery, their story will be immortalized on a keepsake card distributed during the event.
“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the struggle for freedom and equality, and this year’s celebration in Oakland County will highlight the courageous efforts of the Underground Railroad, including its significant stops within our community,” stated County Executive Dave Coulter. “Together, we honor the legacy of those who sought liberty and those who aided in their journey to freedom.”
The Juneteenth celebration will feature an array of distinguished speakers, including County Executive Dave Coulter, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Oakland County Commissioners Angela Powell, Yolanda Smith-Charles, and Linnie Taylor. Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Harry Weaver and Sheriff’s Office Capt. Melissa McClellan will also lend their voices to the event.
“It’s an honor to once again be part of the county’s celebration of our community, culture, history, and dedication to moving forward,” said Commissioner Angela Powell. “Juneteenth is a new holiday for some, and I look forward to taking part in an event that recognizes the experiences that form Oakland County and create a vibrant place to call home.”
Oakland County is home to four official Underground Railroad sites, each a testament to the region’s rich history of abolitionism and the fight for freedom:
- Greenwood Cemetery in Birmingham: Final resting place of abolitionist Elijah S. Fish and freedom-seeker George B. Taylor.
- Quaker Cemetery in Farmington: Burial site of abolitionist Nathan Power.
- Royal Oak Cemetery: Final resting place of freedom-seekers Henry and Elizabeth Hamer.
- Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church: A bastion of anti-slavery activism and support for formerly enslaved individuals on their journey to Canada.
Bacak-Egbo, in collaboration with the Oakland History Center and other local historians, is advocating for Oak Hill Cemetery in Pontiac to be recognized as the fifth “Network to Freedom” location, further cementing Oakland County’s place in the history of the Underground Railroad.
This year’s Juneteenth celebration is not only a historical reflection but also a community-engaging event with a focus on cultural enrichment and support for local families. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for Forgotten Harvest, an organization dedicated to providing fresh and nutritious food to families in need. Items such as dried fruits, nuts, trail mix, granola bars, pasta, canned soup, and peanut butter will be collected to support this noble cause.
The event will feature an array of entertainers, including choirs, drummers, dancers, and storytellers, who will bring the spirit and resilience of the African American experience to life. Attendees will also have the opportunity to indulge in diverse culinary delights from food trucks like Fork in Nigeria, Seoul Rolls on the Go, and Flavors of Jamaica, offering a taste of global flavors.
Oakland County’s Juneteenth event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 12, near the south entrance of the court building at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. The formal program will commence at noon, and ample parking is available in the lot off County Center Drive East, between the courthouse and Telegraph.
As we gather to celebrate Juneteenth, let us remember and honor the resilience, courage, and indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom and those who continue to strive for justice and equality. This Juneteenth, Oakland County not only commemorates a pivotal moment in history but also embraces the ongoing journey towards a more equitable future.
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