Juneteenth
Many people are unaware of what Juneteenth commemorates. Historically, the Fourth of July marked the beginning of freedom people in the United States. This was not the reality for enslaved people in Texas. It took two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation for the news to reach Galveston Texas. On June 19th, 1865, enslaved people in Texas finally received their freedom.
Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Acknowledging the wrongs our country has made throughout history while creating a space to honor those who tirelessly fight for equity. We should not become complacent with Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday. There is more work to be done to address the inequities within our country.
This weekend the Lansing area has different events to celebrate the freedom of enslaved people in our country. These events tell the truth of our history while creating a space for people to gather and reflect on the continual barriers people of color face in our country.
Saturday June 19, 2021
- Juneteenth Festival (517)
- 4 to 10 pm
- Reo Town Pub, South Washington Ave, Lansing MI
- Lansing Juneteenth Celebration
- 9 to 9 pm
- Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center
- Juneteenth Celebration and Parade
- 11 am
- Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center
Sunday June 20, 2021
- Jazz and Poetry Night
- 7 to 11 pm
- UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner Rd, Lansing MI
— Emily Wegenke, MSW Intern