Juneteenth celebrations planned in several local communities

    The Juneteenth holiday which commemorates the day in 1865 when 250,000 slaves in the state of Texas were declared free by the United States Army will be celebrated throughout the community this month.I Juneteenth, however, did not change the lives of slaves overnight and is considered the beginning of the struggle for freedom for many. As soon as the following year, local festivities were organized in African American communities to celebrate and remember the significance of June 19. The celebrations continued year after year.
    In the 20th century, as African Americans from Texas and neighboring states spread throughout the country, so too did Juneteenth celebrations. In 1980, Texas became the first to make it a state holiday. Shortly thereafter, other states followed suit, along with organizations and businesses across the nation hosting events and educational opportunities dedicated to commemorating the significance of this day. In 2021, the day became a national holiday.
    In Canton Township, Saturday, June 15, will mark a celebration of liberty as the Juneteenth holiday takes center stage in the Heritage Park Amphitheater during the Canton Liberty Fest set for June 13, 14 and 15 this year in Heritage Park.
    Canton Liberty Fest set for June 13, 14 and 15 this year in Heritage Park.
    In Inkster, the celebration of freedom is planned for noon until 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at Inkster Park. The annual Michigan United Juneteenth cookout at Inkster Park will include music, dancing, games and food. Guests are urged to bring a baseball glove to take part in the softball game.
    The park is located at 1550 John Daly St.
    The Leanna Hicks Public Library in Inkster will present “Walking in the Footsteps of History.” The celebration will also include games, singing, dancing, food and interactive fun. The event is free and is planned for noon until 3 p.m. June 17. 

    The library is located at 2500 Hamlin Dr. in the city.
    In Romulus, the holiday will be celebrated with a family event from noon until 5 p.m. at Romulus Historical Park, 11120 Hunt St. Officials have planned a day to remember the past, and celebrate the future. The Freedom Day celebration will include vendors music, crafts, food trucks and fun, officials said.
    In Westland, the Third Annual Juneteenth Heritage Day will take place from noon until 4 p.m. June 24 at Nankin Mills Park in Westland.
    The theme for the 2024 event is Celebrating Family and Freedom. This free event is presented by the Huron -Clinton Metropark.The park is located at 33175 Ann Arbor Trail in Westland.