Madison Heights Celebrates Juneteenth

(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 24, 2023)

Madison Heights, MI – On June 17, Madison Heights Citizens United hosted the community’s annual Juneteenth celebration.

“While our first two celebrations in 2021 and 2022 were great, groundbreaking, historic, there was something different about this year’s Celebration,” said Kevin Wright who was among those who created the event.

“There was a palpable sense of community in the air. As I walked around the park, I saw people of all ages, races and faiths enjoying themselves, laughing, talking, sharing, coming together and celebrating freedom.

“I saw children with big smiles, excited to see the animals at the petting zoo or bounce around in the bounce houses. I saw people who brought their own tents and grills enjoying the Celebration and beautiful afternoon.

“But, perhaps, what struck me most is seeing people at our Juneteenth educational exhibit, taking their time to read each board, some of them taking photos or videos of the information contained in the display.”

The event had a full lineup of performers and speakers, as well as fun activities like a petting zoo, pony rides, photo booth, face painting, crafts, and food trucks. There were also a number of community group booths and vendors. Among the dozens of tables were vendors like Not So Cliche Boutique, Bead It Up Detroit, Real Fashion Sisters, Tasha’s Creative Gifts, Throwin’ Shade Boutique and more.

Madison Heights Councilperson Quinn Wright was among the attendees. “This year the event had this community feel to it, like it’s really starting to be part of the community, something people look forward to and want to be a part of,” he said.

The gathering was full of fun and celebration, but also one that shares the history of freedom for all Americans. Juneteenth recognizes that day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Texas to announce to enslaved people that they were finally free. In 2021Juneteenth was made a national holiday.

“Juneteenth is an important date in American history that up until very recently has been far too overlooked,” Wright said. “This is a great American holiday that deserves a big celebration. It’s been gratifying to see Madison Heights embrace Juneteenth over the past three years. I think we’ve been a beacon in bringing Juneteenth to the suburbs, and that’s important because this is a part of American history that everyone should know.”

Lean more about Madison Heights Juneteenth at https://madisonheightsjuneteenth.com/.