"What is Juneteenth?"

Juneteenth is a national holiday celebrating the abolishment of slavery. It originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865 on June 19th. Hence the name Juneteenth. Federal troops arrived and declared that all slaves be freed. This happened nearly three years later after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. Throughout this process the export of slaves from Africa to the United States ended. Texas was the first state to make this a national holiday, soon after nearly all 50 states started to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday. On this day educational events, family gatherings, festivals, etc. takes place in many black communities and households. 

"Why is this day so important?"

In the United States slavery lasted for 400 years. Hundreds of thousands of enslaved men, women and children had found out that they were free on June 19th, 1865. Although there were millions of slaves beforehand that had escaped, been killed or died from the extremely tough circumstances they went through. 

"How can I get involved?" 

Educating yourself, standing with the black community, being a listening ear and having uncomfortable conversations. Be sure to support + amplify black businesses, black artists, and black voices near and far. Get involved in your community and ask how you can be part of the solution.

Here are some local events to check out this Saturday that you can join in on: 

Block party with lots of popups, food trucks, DJs and more..                             1430 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI, 48226                               @detroitisthenewblack on IG      

Rivertown Artist Market from 12pm-6pm                                                             6440 Wight St. Detroit, MI                                                                       @bigpinklovesyou on IG

Outer Limits Lounge Party                                                                                    5507 Caniff, Hamtramck, MI                                                                  @theouterlimitislounge on IG

Tangent Gallery Party & Market                                                                               715 E Milwaukee Ave., Detroit, MI                                                       @tangentgallery on IG

Information found here.