Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture.

Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth's commemoration is on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery.

Juneteenth Flag

City of Southfield celebrates Juneteenth with week of activities and events June 13-25

The City will sponsor a wide variety of programs and events in recognition of this momentous occasion. 

In the Shadow of History: Presidential & Historical Moments Captures - May 18 - June 30

In the Shadow of History: Presidential & Historical Moments is an exhibit on display at the Southfield Public Library on the 3rd Level in the Southfield History Room. The exhibit showcases photographs captured by International Presidential Photographer Gary Hunter. The exhibit features photos of President Barack Obama, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and many others.

Freedom Confirmed: President Abraham Lincoln’s Courage to Create Change - June 12 from 6-8 p.m.

Presented by Rodney David Deal, Vice President of Education and Outreach at the Detroit Historical Society, this lecture will take place June 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Southfield Public Library and will inspire and educate attendees about Abraham Lincoln’s Civil War presidency and the history of American freedom and justice in the pivotal year of 1865. The lecture will discuss the creation and implications of the 13th amendment.

Juneteenth Senior Luncheon – Friday, June 13 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Southfield Parks & Recreation will once again host a special Juneteenth Senior Luncheon on June 13 at 11:30 a.m. where history, culture, and community come together in a celebration of freedom and resilience. This uplifting event will feature electrifying performances, soul stirring music, a delicious meal, and dancing. Watch a powerful performance by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, showcasing the rhythmic precision and energy of step. Feel the heartbeat of history through rhythmic beats of African drumming. Tickets are $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents and can be purchased on the Parks & Recreation website or by calling (248) 796-4620.

Juneteenth Flag Raising at City Hall – Saturday, June 14 at 9:30 a.m.

Southfield’s Juneteenth Celebration will kick off with the raising of the Juneteenth flag on Saturday, June 14 at 9:30 a.m. at the circle drive in front of City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Road.  

Mayor’s Juneteenth Walk – Saturday, June 14 from 10-11:30 a.m. 

Join Mayor Dr. Ken Siver for the Mayor’s Juneteenth Walk on June 14 beginning at the Southfield Municipal Campus front circle. Mayor Dr. Ken Siver will lead participants on an invigorating 2.5 mile walk around Southfield where he will discuss Southfield history and the achievements of African Americans in Southfield.

Juneteenth Jubilee – Saturday, June 14 from 4-9 p.m.

Southfield Parks & Recreation invites the community to an evening of commemoration, celebration, and unity at the Juneteenth Jubilee. Watch history come to life as re-enactors from the Southfield Historical Society portray influential African-Americans including Phyllis Wheatley, Opal Lee, Billie Holiday, and Sojourner Truth. There will be games and activities for kids with Recreation on the Move and an outdoor concert with the Detroit RSVP AllStars. Food trucks will be available throughout the event. Admission is free.

The Friends of the Southfield Public Library Juneteenth Jazz & Blues Concert – June 18 at 6-8 p.m.

The Friends of the Southfield Public Library will sponsor a special Juneteenth Jazz & Blues concert at the Southfield Public Library Fountain Terrace (with a rain location in the meeting room).This free outdoor concert will feature the music of the Chris Canas Band. The Chris Canas Band is a dynamic and soulful contemporary blues-rock group known for their electrifying performances and tight musical chemistry. Led by Detroit's Prince of Blues and multi-talented Chris Canas, the band features a lineup of accomplished musicians including Derek Washington on bass, Marc Anthony on drums and Mikey Biddle on keyboard. Together, they create a powerful and engaging sound that blends traditional blues roots with modern rock influences, captivating audiences with their passion, energy and skillful musicianship. With Chris Canas leading the way on guitar and vocals, the band delivers a high-energy live experience that will recognize Juneteenth with heart and soul.

Pearls of Service Foundation Juneteenth Celebration – Thursday, June 19 from 6-10 p.m.

The Pearls of Service Foundation, in collaboration with the Southfield Chamber of Commerce, is hosting the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration themed ‘Pathway to Promise: Culture and Scholarship’ at the Southfield Regency Banquet Center, 25228 W 12 Mile Rd. The celebration will open with 23 Scholarships awarded to local students, feature a special presentation by jazz artist Daryl Beebe, address sustainability, and provide community networking opportunities with various onsite local businesses. Tickets for the event cost $75 and can be purchased here: https://www.pearlsofservicefoundation.org/juneteenth 

Juneteenth Open Mic Event – Saturday, June 21 from 1 - 4 p.m. 

The Juneteenth Open Mic Event returns to the Southfield Library on Saturday, June 21 from 1-4  p.m. Enjoy some of metro Detroit’s best spoken word poets outside on the Front Lawn (or inside the Meeting Room in case of inclement weather). The community will be invited to present original spoken word done solo, in duets or trios. Tony Speaks will be the MC host. The event will also feature food, vendors, music and more! Preregistration on the Library website is recommended to perform, and walk-in performances will be welcome if time permits. Content should be PG-13. Register and find out more: https://southfieldlibrary.org/calendar-of-events/#/events/QIY5wJfdKi/instances/3IHfEAGdn2/ 


Library Juneteenth Exhibit: The Legacy of Black Medical Schools and Departments – Wednesday, June 25 from 6-8 p.m.

The Southfield Public Library will host a program focusing on the legacy of Black medical schools in the United States on Wednesday, June 25 from 6-8 p.m. The program is in conjunction with the exhibit running through June 30. During the program, a group of historians, educators, and students will discuss their research, which highlights over 3000 years of historical contributions to medicine. The exhibit showcases the stories of 19 Black medical schools, their role in training physicians, and their impact on Black healthcare. Featuring never-before-seen photos, artifacts, and expert analysis, the exhibit explores why these institutions remain vital.