President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery in 1863. However, residents of Galveston, Texas, didn’t acknowledge the abolishment until June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived to enforce the edict. The following year, Black Americans celebrated the first official Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, with celebrations in Texas and later around the country.
President Joe Biden made Juneteenth an official federal holiday in 2021, marking the liberation of the last of the enslaved people in the United States.
Oakland County’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Please join us on Wednesday, June 18, to honor Juneteenth in Oakland County as we reflect on our history and celebrate the continued drive for equality.
What to Expect
- Inspirational speakers
- Performance of the Black National Anthem
- Raising of the Juneteenth flag
- Award presentation to the winners of the Oakland County Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest
- Food trucks
- Live entertainment
- Meet-and-greet tables with local organizations and vendors
- Inflatables and yard games
Location and Time
1200 N Telegraph, Circuit Court Courtyard | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Discover more Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Oakland County by using our interactive map.
Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.
Thank you for this wonderful initiative! Celebrating Freedom Day reminds us of the importance of unity and justice for all communities.