Oakland County Celebrates Juneteenth
(Oakland County, June 20, 2024)
Pontiac, MI – Last week, hundreds of people gathered at the Oakland County Courthouse on June 12 for the second annual Juneteenth celebration, which included raising the Juneteenth flag, live entertainment, storytelling focusing on the Underground Railroad and more.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter was joined by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie, Oakland County Commissioners Angela Powell, Yolanda Smith-Charles, and Linnie Taylor; Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Harry Weaver; and Sheriff’s Office Capt. Melissa McClellan.
On behalf of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the State of Michigan, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II shared a Juneteenth proclamation.
“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the struggle for freedom and equality, and this year’s celebration in Oakland County will highlight the courageous efforts of the Underground Railroad, including its significant stops within our community,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “Together, we honor the legacy of those who sought liberty and those who aided in their journey to freedom.”
There were plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy in addition to learning about the holiday and history, thanks to Oakland County Parks, which is offering free admission to all Oakland County Parks on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of the holiday.
Carol Bacak-Egbo, historian for Oakland County Parks, weaved the story of the Parker family who escaped slavery from Wood County, Virginia. Attendees received a keepsake card featuring the family’s story. They used the Underground Railroad to make the dangerous trek to freedom, ending in Pontiac. The Parkers were founding members of the Newman African Methodist Episcopal Church and are buried in unmarked graves in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Oakland County has four sites that are part of the National Parks Service’s “Network to Freedom,” which features fully-documented locations connected to the Underground Railroad:
- Abolitionist Elijah S. Fish and freedom-seeker George B. Taylor burial sites at Greenwood Cemetery in Birmingham
- Abolitionist Nathan Power burial site at the Quaker Cemetery in Farmington
- Freedom-seekers Henry and Elizabeth Hamer’s final resting place in Royal Oak Cemetery
- Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church, which was committed to the anti-slavery cause, abolitionism, and aiding formerly enslaved persons on their journey to Canada
There was no shortage of delicious eats as several food trucks were onsite including AAA Ice Cream, Backdraft BBQ, Flavors of Jamaica, Foodies, Fork in Nigeria, Freddie B’s Bibs & Ribs, Po Sam’s and Seoul Rolls on the Go.
To learn more about Oakland County’s efforts to make our region more inclusive, visit the official website for the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: www.oakgov.com/equity.
