Juneteenth

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!

A new state law creates a holiday celebrating May 2nd as Negro Leagues Day in Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill Wednesday. Rick Pluta reports.

Today is Juneteenth. This is the is day celebrating the end of slavery in America. The Juneteenth celebration in Ypsilanti this year is bigger and better than ever and will run Friday through Sunday, Rylee Barnsdale sat down with Survivors Speak founder and Juneteenth organizer Trische' Duckworth to discuss the growth that the community will have the opportunity to enjoy.

The Juneteenth flag is now flying above the Washtenaw County Administration Building on Main Street, just below the Stars and Stripes. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Juneteenth is here. The occasion serves as a great opportunity to discuss where we’ve come as a community since the end of slavery and the significant work that remains ahead. WEMU's David Fair is joined by Trische’ Duckworth for a Juneteenth conversation. She is founder of Survivors Speak and continues to work in the local Black Lives Matter movement.