In the words of Queen Beyoncé, "Singin', freedom! Freedom! Where are you?"

It is time for my favorite holiday of the year! Juneteenth is happening next weekend!

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It was first celebrated in Texas in 1985 because slaves were deemed free.

To celebrate this momentous holiday, there are several events happening all around Grand Rapids and its surrounding areas.

Saturday, June 18th, 2022

1. Juneteenth Vendor Event 

Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

The first event of the weekend's festivities is the Juneteenth Vendor Event, presented by SS Boutique & Fashion Accessories. This pop-up event will highlight different small businesses from the Grand Rapids community. It is free to the public at Rosa Parks Circle.

If you have a small business, there is still time to sign up to be a vendor for the event. If you are interested, send an email to sdawson474@gmail.com.

2. Baxter Community Summer Event Series: Baxter Juneteenth Celebration

Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Once you have shopped till you drop at the vendor event, you can swing over to the Baxter Juneteenth Celebration. Habitat for Humanity, GR Cure Violence, Urban League of West Michigan, and Kenneth Cortez Production LLC have teamed up to throw several events this summer. The Juneteenth Celebration is the 2nd event that the organizations are producing.

The celebration will take place at Joe Taylor Park. It will feature a live DJ, spoken food, lots of food, and fun! This is the perfect event for the whole family.

There will also be voter registrations throughout the event!

Sunday, June 19th, 2022

1. Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam VOL.2

Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The second annual Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam is back this year. This is a free event that is powered by Justice 4 All, LLC and The City of Grand Rapids. The Juneteenth Jam will have live music from local artists, talks with community leaders, Black-owned food and business vendors, and a graffiti art showcase. Once you register for the free event, you are entered into a drawing for other amazing prizes! So the more, the merrier!

2. Grand Rapids Juneteenth Dundunba

Time: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

According to Experience GR, the Grand Rapids Juneteenth Dundunba is the city's largest Emancipation celebration. With five years of success, the event is back! Since Juneteenth is also Father's Day this year, the event will also highlight the amazing fathers in our lives. The community parade will start at 1435 Eastern Street SE.