As Detroit commemorates Juneteenth, a historic corridor once known as a thriving center of Black commerce and community will come alive with music, art, entrepreneurship and celebration.
Led by Black Leaders Detroit in partnership with Marygrove Conservancy and local community organizations, the Juneteenth Jubilee will bring residents, business owners, artists and community leaders together on June 19-20 for an event focused on honoring the past while investing in the future.
The event will activate the Dexter Corridor through a series of cultural, educational and entrepreneurial experiences designed to celebrate Black freedom, achievement and economic empowerment.
Organizer Sharae Ayers of Black Leaders Detroit says the weekend is intended not only to commemorate Juneteenth, the federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S., but also to highlight the continued importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and strengthening community connections.
“Our goal is to create spaces where culture, commerce and community intersect. This celebration is about recognizing the legacy of the Dexter Corridor while creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs, creatives and residents to thrive,” said Ayers.
The festivities begin Friday with The Liberation Link Up: Artistically Black, an upscale networking event at Marygrove Conservancy that will bring together more than 200 entrepreneurs, artists, professionals and community members for an evening of live music, curated cultural experiences and meaningful connection.
In addition, the event will host a community-driven $5,000 grant competition, empowering attendees to help choose a Detroit-based business of African descent to receive funding. The selected competitors will be revealed live on stage at the event.
The celebration continues Saturday with Jubilee on the Block: Family Day in the Dexter Corridor, a free community gathering featuring local businesses, entertainment, family-friendly activities and opportunities for residents to engage with organizations working to revitalize and invest in the neighborhood.
“Saturday is really honoring the legacy of black businesses on Dexter, this is where the first Black-owned bookstore was, as well as the Ed Davis auto dealership, who was the first African-American to own a new car dealership.”
Together, the events aim to showcase both the rich history and promising future of one of Detroit’s most significant Black business corridors.
Tickets for the liberation and registration for the jubilee are both available here.
Take a look at what else is going on in the city:
Juneteenth at Wilson: The Stories of Us
- Host: Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, presented by Huron-Clinton Metroparks
- Date/Time: Friday, June 19, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Location: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, 1801 W. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit Caucus Juneteenth Celebration
- Host: Detroit Caucus
- Date/Time: Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Location: Delores Bennett Playground, 444 Smith St.
- Host: The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
- Date/Time: June 19, from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave.
- Featured programming includes Silent Yoga, a treasure hunt, musical performances, a film discussion on “Barry Farms,” a bike ride, quilting workshops, children’s arts and crafts, a book giveaway and dance and dining experiences.
Juneteenth Freedom Fest Weekend at Eastern Market
- Host: Juneteenth Freedom Fest Weekend
- Date: Saturday, June 20
- Location: Eastern Market, Shed 5, 2934 Russell St.
Juneteenth Celebration at Rouge Park
- Host: Community Juneteenth Celebration
- Date/Time: Saturday, June 20, from 12 – 4 p.m.
- Location: Joy and Spinoza Green Space at Rouge Park
Mariam Kebe is an intern for BridgeDetroit through Report for America’s Local News Internship Program.