Juneteenth

Juneteenth National Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. And as happens each year, several local events commemorate the day. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor was joined by the President of the NAACP Ann Arbor branch, Andre' Watson, to talk about what is going on locally, but more importantly, what this day means to residents in Washtenaw County.

Friday marks the start of celebrations and remembrances that will continue throughout the weekend as the community observes Juneteenth. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Juneteenth serves as both a celebration of freedom and a reflection on the ongoing pursuit of equality. And in Ypsilanti, that celebration has grown into a three-day community event featuring live entertainment, food, family activities, and cultural programming. The sixth annual Juneteenth celebration will take place June 19th through the 21st at the University Bank parking lot in downtown Ypsi. Lee Van Roth discussed the big event with its organizer and MC, Gordon "Big" Dooley.

Washtenaw County officials are holding a flag-raising ceremony to usher in Juneteenth celebrations. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

The weekend in Ypsilanti will be filled with a celebration of Juneteenth. It will also serve as an occasion to protest the federal administration's attacks on DEI programs. WEMU's David Fair spoke with event organizer and founder of the nonprofit "Survivors Speak," Trische' Duckworth, about what to expect and the efforts that will carry on beyond the weekend.

Ypsilanti is gathering to raise awareness for sickle cell disease and its impact on the BIPOC community during its Juneteenth celebration weekend. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Looking for additional summer activities? Now is a good time to head to the movies! WEMU's David Fair is joined by Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink to chat about this week's upcoming films and special screenings and events!

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of the last slaves in the United States. It was June 19th of 1865 in Texas when the last last slaves were freed under the Emancipation Proclamation that was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. The holiday was first observed in Ann Arbor in 1994 and has been observed ever since. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor discussed the local significance of the day with Ann Arbor NAACP president Andre' Watson.

The official holiday is June 19th, but on Saturday, the Ann Arbor NAACP kicks off their Juneteenth celebrations with the 31st Community Unity Walk to Wheeler Park. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

The 2024 Cinetopia Film Festival rolls on in Ann Arbor! Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins joins WEMU's David Fair to provide an update on the film fest and the new films opening downtown. Plus, Russ brings along filmmaker and Eastern Michigan University alumnus Heidi Philipsen, who talks about her film "Love & Vodka," which closes out Cinetopia this weekend!