Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, marks the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865 that proclaimed liberation for enslaved African Americans in Texas. They were the last group of people to be freed after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier.
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Oakland County’s NoHaz Collection team is here to help residents safely dispose of household hazardous materials ranging from pesticides, paints, air fresheners, propane cylinders, cleaning solutions, prescription medicines, and more. Though these items have made our lives easier, they can also be toxic to our health and environment when we use and dispose of them in our regular trash. Unlike industrial hazardous wastes, household hazardous wastes are not regulated.
Because so many items contain hazardous components, most people can identify a few products in their homes that are hazardous. Do you have items in mind that you want to properly dispose of? No commercial, contractor, business or institutional waste will be accepted. All liquids must be in sealed 5-gallon or smaller containers. Do you have items that you’re unsure about? View lists of accepted and non-accepted materials in the FAQ section of Advantage Oakland’s NoHaz web page or call the NoHaz Hotline at 248-858-5656.
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February is Black History Month! To learn more about Black history and culture, or gain awareness of the past, check out our list of events being held including musical and dance performances, interactive workshops, and more throughout the month of February in and around Oakland County.
This originally began as Negro History Week in 1926. In 1976, following the Civil Rights movement, the weekly observance transformed into a month-long celebration. Since then, every U.S. president has issued a proclamation honoring the spirit of Black History Month.
Listen to Oakland County Executive David Coulter share his thoughts on Black History Month in the video below.
In honor of January being National Radon Action Month, Oakland County encourages residents to take action and test their homes for radon by offering radon test kits half-price ($5) all month.
What is radon you ask? Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is usually harmless outdoors. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.
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As we reflect of the life of Dr. King, we cannot do so without considering his legacy of service to mankind. Observed as a national day of service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day encourages people to volunteer to improve their communities. Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. this upcoming MLK Day on Monday, January 16, by attending an event or participating in a day of service.
Learn more about the MLK Day of Service on their website, where you can also search for volunteer opportunities or register a project. The United Way and Volunteer Match have additional resources and opportunities to make it a “day on, not a day off.”
This year also marks the inaugural Oakland County Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Organized by the Oakland County Equity Council, various service projects were made available to Oakland County employees at several locations throughout the county.
“It is our hope that our staff throughout the county, in whatever ways they are able to do so, will assist us in demonstrating Oakland County’s commitment to the mission of Justice and Equality that Dr. King fought for so vehemently.”
Oakland County Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Harry Weaver III
While Oakland County, Michigan Government offices are closed on Monday, January 16, Oakland County Parks and Recreation is offering a Free Park Entry Day in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. for the public to enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks, playgrounds, fishing spots and park amenities.
Browse the list of observations and commemorative events happening in and around Oakland County below:
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