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Commemorating Juneteenth

Juneteenth, or June 19th, is celebrated as the true date that slaves were freed in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, the message of freedom was not communicated to many in the South until June 19, 1865 (more than 2 years later). On that day, over 250,000 slaves were freed. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and one that the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan will also observe this year on Monday, June 20th with our office closing for staff to participate.

To mark the occasion, we thought it could be helpful to compile a list of resources from media to local events to help provide information on the importance of this day and celebration of African American freedom.

WATCH VIDEO: What is Juneteenth? The holiday's history and significance, explained. | Just the FAQs - Bing video

Resources for Education

The National Museum of African American History and Culture https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth
PBS’ What Is Juneteenth? https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/
New York Public Library- Juneteenth Reads for All Ages Juneteenth Reads for All Ages | The New York Public Library (nypl.org)
Penguin Random House- The Juneteenth Reading List The Juneteenth Reading List | Penguin Random House

Local Events

Juneteenth Celebration Webcast-Honoring the History, Imaging the Future

Hosted by Warner Norcross and Judd and the Grand Rapids Chamber

Friday, June 17

12:00 pm -1:30 pm | Virtual Web Event

https://www.grandrapids.org/event/celebrating-juneteenth/

Juneteenth Fest

Saturday, June 18

2:00 pm -7:00 pm | John Ball Zoo

https://www.experiencegr.com/event/spring-gr-juneteenth-festival-2022/75871/

Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 18

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Joe Taylor Park

https://www.habitatkent.org/event/juneteenth-celebration/

Juneteenth Event

Hosted by the Black Impact Collaborative

Saturday, June 18 - Monday, June 20

3:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Calder Plaza

Juneteenth Event – Black Impact Collaborative (bicgr.com)

Father's Day & Juneteenth Celebration

Sunday, June 19

4:00 pm | Immanuel Lutheran Church- Big Rapids

https://www.facebook.com/events/1680205882334217

Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam

Sunday, June 19

1:00 pm -5:00 pm | Rosa Parks Circle

https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Our-City/Events-Activities/Justice-4-All-Juneteenth-Jam

Movie/Documentary List

If Beale Street Could Talk- Barry Jenkins
Just Mercy- Destin Daniel Crettin
Miss Juneteenth- Channing Godfrey Peoples
13th- Ava DuVernay
The Hate You Give- George Tillman Jr.
I am Not Your Negro- Raoul Peck
Set It Off- F. Gary Gray
12 Years a Slave- Steve McQueen
Selma- Ava DuVernay
Fruitvale Station- Ryan Coogler
Black Panther- Ryan Coogler
42- Brian Helgeland
Mudbound- Dee Rees
Monster- Anthony Mandler
Hidden Figures- Theodore Melfi
Precious- Lee Daniels
Moonlight- Barry Jenkins
When They See Us- Ava DuVernay
American Son- Kenny Leon
See You Yesterday- Stefon Bristol
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America