Juneteenth is a time to honor freedom, Black history, community leadership, and the ongoing work of liberation.
Throughout June, communities across Metro Detroit are gathering through celebrations, organizing spaces, cultural events, film screenings, and opportunities for reflection and action. Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be participating in several of these events, providing voter education and voter registration resources while connecting with community members throughout the month.
For those unable to attend in person, virtual programming is also available, offering additional ways to engage in conversations about history, democracy, civic participation, and collective action.
Three Marches, Two Sisters, One Bridge | June 18
When You Vote, I Win will host the premiere of Three Marches, Two Sisters, One Bridge on Thursday, June 18 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Southfield Parks and Recreation Building, 26000 Evergreen Road in Southfield, on the north end of the Southfield Municipal Complex.
The documentary centers two Selma activists and their connection to the fight for voting rights.
Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be attending in support of this community event and the opportunity to reflect on the history and ongoing significance of the voting rights movement.
Juneteenth Kickback in Mount Clemens | June 19
The City of Mount Clemens and the Mount Clemens Zetas will host a Juneteenth Kickback on Friday, June 19 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cairns Community Center, 58 Orchard St, Mount Clemens, MI 48043.
The event will include music, bounce houses, food trucks, and community celebration. The gathering will also recognize the historic Upshaw Way street dedication.
Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be on site providing voter registration and ballot education.
DABO Detroit Juneteenth Palooza | June 19
DABO Detroit will host its first-ever Juneteenth Palooza: Parade and Concert on Friday, June 19.
The free event will begin with a parade at 10:00 AM, starting at Livernois and Grand River and ending at Prairie and Grand River. A concert will follow at 12:00 PM featuring BIG CHUCK, InsprHER, HORUS, and CYE PIE.
The event will also include free food, giveaways, music, and community celebration.
Event information:
When You Vote, I Win Juneteenth Cookout | June 19
When You Vote, I Win will host its second annual Juneteenth Cookout on Friday, June 19 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Pebble Creek Park in Southfield.
The cookout is part of the organization’s Juneteenth programming connected to the premiere of the documentary Three Marches, Two Sisters, One Bridge, on June 18th, which highlights the experiences of two Selma Foot Soldiers and their connection to the ongoing fight for voting rights.
Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be attending as invited guests in support of this community celebration.
The People’s Toolkit: Juneteenth in the 250th Year of U.S. Democracy, Part II | June 19
The People’s Toolkit gathering will take place Friday, June 19 at 11:00 AM on Zoom.
This virtual event connects the history of voter suppression and racial terror to the systems communities are still navigating today. The program is designed to move participants from awareness to application through history, lived experience, practical tools, and community discussion.
The online format also provides an opportunity for people across Michigan and beyond to participate, including those who may not be able to attend in-person Juneteenth events.
Register and join: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rhj80PyeTVSUKfEGAe4etA#/registration
Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Juneteenth Black Party | June 19
Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration will kick off with a Juneteenth Black Party on Friday, June 19 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti.
The evening will feature performances by Alise King, music therapy with Shiawassee, DJ Buff1, and Formula 734, along with appearances by Mayor Nicole Brown, Commissioner Crystal Lyte, MC Taryn Willis, and MC Trische Duckworth.
The event is part of Ypsilanti’s multi-day Juneteenth celebration honoring Black culture, community, and resilience.
Our Own Wall Street Juneteenth “Harlem Nights” Gala | June 19
Our Own Wall Street will host its 2026 Juneteenth “Harlem Nights” Gala on Friday, June 19 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The gala will bring together Juneteenth, Black excellence, legacy, wealth, and freedom through a Harlem Renaissance theme.
Location:
8324 Woodward Ave
Second Floor at the corner of East Euclid
Detroit, MI 48202
https://votingaccessforall.org/events/our-own-wall-streets-2026-juneteenth-gala
8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend: The Liberation Link Up | June 19
Black Leaders Detroit will host The Liberation Link Up on Friday, June 19 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Marygrove Conservancy as part of the 8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend.
The event will include music, community gathering, performances, and celebration during Detroit’s Juneteenth weekend.
Register now: https://jubileeblockparty.wixsite.com/website
Juneteenth Cookout in Detroit | June 19
The Detroit People’s Food Co-op will host a Juneteenth Cookout on Friday, June 19 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 8324 Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
The celebration will feature food, vendors, a DJ, dancing, bounce houses, face painting, bar-b-que grilling, and other family-friendly activities. Community members are invited to gather in celebration of Juneteenth and enjoy an afternoon of food, entertainment, and community connection.
8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend: Jubilee on the Block | June 20
Jubilee on the Block will take place Saturday, June 20 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM along the Dexter Corridor in Detroit.
The event is part of the 8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend and will feature vendors, performances, community organizations, food, music, and activities throughout the day. Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) will be on site providing voter education and voter registration resources for community members interested in learning more about voting rights and civic participation.
Register now: https://jubileeblockparty.wixsite.com/website
These events reflect different traditions, conversations, and ways communities across Detroit are gathering to celebrate Juneteenth, Black history, culture, organizing, and liberation.
Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration | June 20
The celebration continues on Saturday, June 20 from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM at the University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti.
The day will include a Sickle Cell Awareness Walk, beginning with registration at 10:00 AM, as well as performances and activities featuring Lady Sunshine, Marcus Cole, DJ Low, comedian Kenny Burrell, storyteller Erica Burell, and additional community guests and emcees.
Attendees are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles and comfortable chairs for a full day of celebration, entertainment, and community connection.
Juneteenth Community Gathering & Potluck at Palmer Park | June 20
Community members are invited to gather for a Juneteenth potluck celebration on Saturday, June 20 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Palmer Park in Detroit. Hosted by The Black Legacy Advancement Coalition, the gathering offers an opportunity to connect, share food, celebrate community, and reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth in a welcoming outdoor setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share and enjoy an afternoon of conversation, fellowship, and celebration.
Freedom Festival: A Juneteenth Celebration | June 20
Detroit City Council District 7 will host Freedom Festival: A Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Rouge Park (Joy & Spinoza Green Space) in Detroit.
The free community event will feature food truck vendors, haircuts and hair care services, face painting, bounce houses, African drumming and dancing, music, poetry, storytelling, and other live performances. Families and community members are invited to gather for an afternoon celebrating Juneteenth through culture, entertainment, and community connection.
Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Church Service & Gospel Concert | June 21
Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration will conclude on Sunday, June 21 with a church service beginning at 1:00 PM, followed by a gospel concert at 3:00 PM at the University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti.
Featured guests include Elder Tyra Hill, Pastor Greg Cannon, Pastor Ron Todd, the Joy Quartet, Bam Travis, DJ Helluva, David Whitfield & Whitfield Productions, and additional community leaders and performers.
The final day of the celebration offers an opportunity for worship, music, and fellowship as the community comes together to commemorate Juneteenth.
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