Royal Oak Recognizes Juneteenth with Celebration and March

The Royal Oak Juneteenth Planning Committee and the City of Royal Oak will host the third annual Juneteenth Celebration on Monday, June 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Centennial Commons, located at the intersection of Third and Troy Streets, in Downtown Royal Oak. The celebration will include food, music, a marketplace, on-site wellness checks and numerous family-friendly activities.

New at this year’s Royal Oak event is the Juneteenth Freedom Strive, an 1865-step march, beginning at 4:00 p.m., to commemorate the significance of celebrating freedom in America. State Rep. Helena Scott and Royal Oak Mayor Mike Fournier will lead the walkers. Participants are encouraged to make signs and carry Juneteenth flags, which the organizers will provide. Participants in the march will receive free T-shirts (while supplies last) and ice cream.

Also included in the celebration is special guest, Professor of African American Studies Kefentse Chike, Ph.D. of Wayne State University, who will provide an engaging presentation of Juneteenth's historical context and significance.

"Celebrating freedom is important to our community," said Carvell Wilkins, co-chair of the Royal Oak Juneteenth Planning Committee. "The Juneteenth Celebration and Freedom Strive are open to everyone of all backgrounds. We hope our celebration will impact and educate everyone who attends on the importance of Juneteenth's history."

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, dates back to June 19, 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on Jan. 1, 1863, it took more than two years for the news to spread to Texas. The first Juneteenth was celebrated in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1867.

The Arts, Beats & Eats Foundation, Genisys Credit Union, Oakland Community College Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Henry Ford Health and Greektown-Hollywood Casino support this year's Royal Oak Juneteenth.

For more information visit: romi.gov/Juneteenth.