City of Southfield celebrates Juneteenth with week of activities and events June 12-21
June 15, 2023
Festivities kick off with ceremonial Juneteenth joint resolution & flag raising
The city of Southfield, in partnership with Pearls of Service Foundation (PSF) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA), Inc.® - Pi Tau Omega Chapter, Southfield Public Library, Centrepolis, Southfield Parks & Recreation and Southfield Historical Society, will sponsor several events and activities for the City’s Juneteenth Celebration June 12-21.
Southfield’s celebration of African American history and culture will kick off with a ceremonial reading of the Juneteenth Joint resolution and raising of the Juneteenth flag on Monday, June 12 at 5 p.m. at the circle drive in front of City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Road.
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.
Juneteenth Centrepolis Entrepreneurs Micro Makers Evolution Lab Pitch Event– June 14
On Wednesday, June 14 from 1-5 p.m., Centrepolis Accelerator, in partnership with Southfield Business & Economic Development and New Economy Initiative present the Juneteenth Centrepolis Micro Makers Evolution Lab Pitch Event at the Lawrence Technical University atrium. During the event young entrepreneurs will present and showcase several exceptional physical product innovators from Southeast Michigan, who are on the path to launching their Michigan-made products. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with new innovative companies, supporting partners, and Southfield’s growing community of entrepreneurs. Funding sources and investment opportunities will also be available to participants.
Southfield Public Library Juneteenth Programs – June 14-15
Juneteenth Senior Luncheon – June 15 at 12-1:30 p.m.
Southfield Parks and Recreation will host a special Juneteenth Senior Luncheon in the Parks and Recreation Building room 115 at City Hall from 12-1:30 p.m. During the event, the Southfield Historical Society will present the annual Juneteenth Booklet: Pioneers of Progress: African American Trailblazers of Humanity. The booklet is a collection of African American stories from Michigan. Booklets will also be available during the Juneteenth Jubilee on June 17. The Historical Society will also present Story Book Trail: Change Sings by Amanda Gorman. Music and a game will follow. Tickets are $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required for the Luncheon and walk-ins are not permitted. Tickets are almost sold out but can be purchased at the link below:
Mayor’s Juneteenth Walk – Saturday, June 17 at 10-11:30 a.m.
Join Mayor Dr. Ken Siver for the Mayor’s Juneteenth Walk on Saturday, June 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. beginning at the Southfield Municipal Campus front circle. Mayor Dr. Ken Siver will lead participants on an invigorating 2.5 mile walk to the Red Pole Park and back to City Hall where he will discuss Southfield history and the achievements of African Americans in Southfield.
Southfield Parks & Recreation Juneteenth Jubilee – Saturday, June 17 from 4-9 p.m.
On Saturday, June 17, Southfield Parks & Recreation will host the Juneteenth Jubilee, a special Juneteenth celebration beginning at 4 p.m. on the Municipal Campus front lawn. There will be food trucks, entertainment the entire evening, yard games, a Marketplace with over 30 Black vendors and a beer and wine tent for attendees ages 21 and over.
The Juneteenth Jubilee will kick off with the Levey Middle School Marching Band, followed by a performance from the Impulse Dance Academy. Next up is a Step Show featuring the Southfield Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Tau Kapp Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. This will be followed by Spoken Word hosted by Joel Fluent Greene, a multi-talented artist who will present a variety of acts including poetry, drumming, dancing, comedy, and more. The event will also include music by DJ Deezy D. The headliner for the event, WeeBone Entertainment, will close out the night with a two-hour concert from 7-9 p.m.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Juneteenth Brunch and Scholarship Program – June 19
The Pearls of Service Foundation in partnership with the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Juneteenth Brunch in celebration of Education and Entrepreneurs to take place at D’Bo’s Daiquiris Restaurant, 28595 Northwestern Hwy. The event is in support and honor of small businesses in the community and is open to the first 110 people to register. Register for the event on the Southfield Chamber of Commerce website.
The Friends of the Southfield Public Library Juneteenth Jazz and Blues Concert – June 21
The Friends of the Southfield Public Library will sponsor a special Juneteenth Jazz and Blues concert at the Southfield Public Library on Wednesday, June 21 from 6-8:30 p.m. This free outdoor concert will feature African American artist Gwen Pennyman-Hemphill. Her musical style encompasses several genres including jazz, R&B, gospel and show tunes. Pennyman-Hemphill has been performing since she was young and is known as Flint’s First Lady of Jazz. “I feel like singing and performing is something I was born to do,” stated Pennyman-Hemphill. She names Aretha Franklin as one of her greatest influences, as well as Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Billie Holiday, Etta James and many others.
For more information on the 2023 Southfield Juneteenth Celebration, contact the Mayor’s Office at (248) 796-5100.
