This year marks 155 years since Juneteenth was first celebrated in Texas, marking the day that African Americans first learned they were free from enslavement.
Sharea Ayers with Black Leaders Detroit joined “Live in the D” and shared history and events that celebrate the historic date.
“We celebrate Juneteenth because two-and-a-half years later, the enslaved in Galveston, Texas, received word that they were free by way of the Emancipation Proclamation,” Ayers said.
One of the events being hosted by Black Leaders Detroit is called Liberation Linkup. Participants will choose 10 entrepreneurs to receive one of three grants based on their networking skills. This event takes place Friday, June 20, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Hotel Saint Regis Detroit.
Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit will also take place this Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Robert C. Valade Park.
“We wanted to make sure we had a partnership with Robert C. Valade Park and the Riverfront Conservancy because Detroit has a very rich history as it pertains to freedom, especially with the Detroit River and the Underground Railroad,” Ayers said.
To watch the segment, click the video above. For more information on how to attend this weekend’s Juneteenth events, please click here