Michigan State University is preparing for the fifth annual Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration Thursday, June 12. Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas.
This year’s theme, “A Juneteenth Renaissance: Bridging Freedom’s Legacy and Tomorrow’s Vision,” aims to celebrate and recognize the contributions of past and contemporary artists, scientists and advocates who work tirelessly to center Black excellence in the fabric of American society and culture.
The campus and local community are invited to attend this family-friendly event, which will feature entertainment, vendors, giveaways, a special appearance by Sparty, gospel singing, dancing, storytelling and more!
The observance, which will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the new Multicultural Center on MSU’s campus, embodies the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth and allows the university to provide a platform to honor this day of significance in our nation’s history. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and entry is free. During the summer, complimentary parking is available at campus lots 15, 83, 89 and 91.
The emcee for this year’s program is music educator, violinist and MSU College of Music alum Rodney Page. MSU Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., will also provide brief remarks during the program. In addition, co-chairs of the Juneteenth Planning Committee, Amanda Flores and Marquis Taylor, will welcome attendees and speak about the significance of the commemoration.
Educational enriching opportunities
The celebration will host educational enriching opportunities, including the Black Wall Street Vendor Fair, named after the prosperous Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, featuring over 40 local businesses.
This year, attendees will also hear from the Detroit Association of Black Storytellers who work to perpetuate the traditions of Black storytelling, offering educational stories on Juneteenth, Idlewild Michigan and Black Wall Street.
Program schedule:
- 4:30 p.m. - Emcee Rodney Page
- 5:00 p.m. - Life Every Voice and Sing, performed by Maliah Cook
- 5:25 p.m. - MSU Juneteenth spotlight, featuring Vice Provost for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Dean of the Graduate School Pero G. Dagbovie
- 5:30 p.m. - Sparty special appearance
- 5:40 p.m. - Detroit Association of Black Storytellers
- 6:30 p.m. - Gospel music, performed by Gregory D and Company
- 7:00 p.m. - Giveaways
- 7:30 p.m. - Line dancing with Dancing with the Nordés
“As co-chairs, we have watched this program grow over the years and are excited to continue offering a vibrant educational experience that has become part of the MSU community, especially as we enter the summer,” said Flores and Taylor in an email.
“It’s our way of bridging the community to the university and working creatively to highlight African and African American history and cultures. We are most excited to host the event in a more centralized location, working with the Multicultural Center team to highlight a welcoming new facility in the heart of campus.”
Musical performances for the evening include Rodney Page, Gregory D and Company, Dancing with the Nordés, and Maliah Cook, who will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary traditional Juneteenth food and beverages from local caterers.
“Juneteenth is a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate freedom, our collective resilience and civil rights,” said Bennett. “As MSU commemorates this historic occasion on June 12, we reflect on our shared institutional and American history and reaffirm our responsibility to foster a more inclusive and just society for all.”
Other local Juneteenth events include:
- MSU Museum’s “Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music” exhibition, running through July 12
- Lansing Juneteenth Celebration, June 14-21
- Delta Township’s Juneteenth History Walk and Community Picnic, June 17
- REO Town’s 517 Juneteenth Weekend, June 19-22
- Meridian Township’s Juneteenth Celebration, June 20
Visit the MSU Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration website to register and learn more about planned events.