William Atkinson Hall

Events

Juneteenth Celebration

June 17 & 18, 2022
True Community City Square
2 p.m.

Don’t miss the 2022 Juneteenth Community Celebration & Resource Fair, now a two-day event, June 17 & 18 in downtown Jackson!

Friday, June 17

  • Local law enforcement and community leaders come together for Racial Inequities: Social Justice and Criminal Just Reform panel discussion at the Michigan Theatre, 124 N. Mechanic St., Jackson. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m., and program starts at 10 a.m.
  • Friday evening, a black history stage play, “1619 Welcome to America,” will be presented at the Michigan Theatre, with doors open at 6 p.m. This play is written and directed by Lisa Williams, with music directed by Big Code Blu. Friday evening, a black history stage play, “1619 Welcome to America,” will be presented at the Michigan Theatre, with doors open at 6 p.m. This play is written and directed by Lisa Williams, with music directed by Big Code Blu.  “1619 – Welcome to America” travels through decades of time with song and dance. Watch as time passes with families whose ancestors were once enslaved that deal with the same issues over and over again.

Saturday, June 18

  • A Resource Fair, Job Fair & Kids Zone kicks off at 2 p.m. Check out exhibitors around True Community City Square, W. Michigan Avenue & S. Jackson Street, to learn more about resources available. Food and sales vendors will also be on hand.
  • Enjoy the smooth sounds of Motown, R & B, Gospel and more when entertainment kicks off later that afternoon. Performers include D.J. Jerry Smith, Brandon Marceal, Shantelle & Terrance Hawkins, Big L & Code Blu, and the featured group, The Crasherz. The Crasherz perform hits from multiple genres of music, with something for everyone! All are welcome at this free community event.

“We are excited about being back in person after two years due to Covid. The Juneteenth Executive Committee has spent the last 21 years making this the largest culture celebration in Jackson. We are thrilled as the planning for the event has been the collaborative work of community stakeholders. We are expecting a large  large turnout  and look forward to seeing our Jackson community,” said Kelly Crum, chief diversity officer, and director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging for Jackson College.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of freedom for African-Americans. It commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas and originated in Galveston in 1865. The observance of Juneteenth as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today, Juneteenth commemorates African-American freedom and emphasizes achievement.

Sponsors for the event in include Jackson College, Spring Arbor University, Consumers Energy, The City of Jackson, Henry Ford Health, Baker College, Jackson Anchor Initiative, JTV, Jackson County Republican Party, Jackson Public Schools, Jackson County, Alro Steel and AARP of Michigan.

For more information, contact Kelly Crum, kcrum@jccmi.edu.