Grand Rapids Celebrates Juneteenth with Community Events

News Summary

Grand Rapids is celebrating Juneteenth with a range of activities honoring this historic day of emancipation. The highlight is the Justice for All Juneteenth Jam at Calder Plaza, featuring music, art, and support for local Black-owned businesses. Additional events include the Grand Rapids Community Juneteenth Afro-Gaga Parade and a scholarship gala at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. These celebrations aim to foster unity, reflection, and empowerment within the community, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of Juneteenth.

Grand Rapids is celebrating Juneteenth today with a variety of events honoring the historic day that marks the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the United States. This year, the holiday, which became an official federal holiday in 2021, commemorates its significance since June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers informed enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, of their freedom—two years following the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The highlight of Grand Rapids’ celebrations is the Justice for All Juneteenth Jam, organized by Julius Rogers, founder of Justice for All. This family-focused event will take place at Calder Plaza from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is designed to celebrate freedom, equality, and support for local Black-owned businesses. The event promises an array of activities such as music, dancing, video games, art exhibitions, and the provision of free water and food.

In an effort to break down barriers for marginalized communities, Rogers has waived fees for Black vendors at the Juneteenth Jam, thus encouraging greater participation from BIPOC individuals. The event is not just a celebration but also an opportunity for community reflection and unity.

Grand Rapids is not the only city engaging in Juneteenth festivities; various events are spread across West Michigan. These include the Grand Rapids Community Juneteenth Afro-Gaga Parade at 12 p.m. at Hall Street and Eastern Avenue SE, promoting communal pride and celebration. In the evening, a scholarship gala will be hosted at the Grand Rapids Art Museum from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., aiming to foster educational growth within the community.

Additionally, the Juneteenth Jam will feature a talent showcase with local artists presenting their work, displaying the diversity and creativity within the community. Recognizing physical activity as an important component of celebration, a running and walking event will take place at Calder Plaza starting at 6 p.m. Another family-friendly event is scheduled for June 21 at Garfield Park, featuring games and music, as well as engaging activities at multiple libraries and community discussions leading up to Juneteenth.

These events foster conversations around empowerment, love, and unity while highlighting the historical significance of this day. The Holland community has been commemorating Juneteenth since 2000, and its importance continues to grow across West Michigan.

The celebrations encourage community members to reflect on the past while working towards future equity and empowerment, emphasizing the continued relevance of Juneteenth in today’s society. As Grand Rapids joins in the national observance of this historic occasion, residents are invited to come out, learn, and celebrate a day that truly represents freedom for all.

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HERE Resources

Grand Rapids Kicks Off Summer with Family-Friendly Events

Additional Resources

• Fox 17: Juneteenth Jam Kicks Off in Downtown Grand Rapids
• MLive: Your Guide to 2025 Juneteenth Events in the Grand Rapids Area and Muskegon
• Wood TV: List of Juneteenth Events in West Michigan 2025
• Wikipedia: Juneteenth
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth