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Push to support Black-owned businesses intensifies amid Black Lives Matter movement, Juneteenth
DETROIT Recent killings of Black Americans have triggered a resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement nationwide, and many people are looking for ways to support the cause. One initiative aimed to support the movement has taken the internet -- and Detroit -- by storm: Shopping at Black-owned businesses. Across the country Americans are calling on one another to vote with their dollar by seeking out and supporting small Black-owned businesses. By shopping at Black businesses, White Americans and non-Black people of color can directly fund the Black community in support. The push to support Black-owned businesses ramped up this week amid Juneteenth celebrations in addition to the national protests.
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Michigan to observe Juneteenth Celebration Day for 16th year
LANSING, Mich. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclamation Wednesday declaring June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Celebration Day" for the state. Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the day the last African American slaves were notified of their freedom in 1865. Im proud to declare June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Celebration Day, and will continue to work tirelessly to create a state that is equal for all.The governor signed a similar proclamation last year to recognize Juneteenth Celebration Day. According to the proclamation, Michigan has recognized Juneteenth as a holiday for the last 16 years. Juneteenth -- also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day -- is a traditional holiday for many Americans, but is receiving more attention this year as the nation decries racism following the recent killings of multiple Black Americans.
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Juneteenth: The story behind the freedom celebration for Black Americans
Many Black Americans also celebrate a day of freedom called Juneteenth on June 19, which commemorates the day the last African American slaves were notified of their freedom in 1865. Much like the Fourth of July, Juneteenth -- also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day -- is celebrated around the country with parades, cookouts and community gatherings. Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm named Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2005, declaring the third Sunday of June as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. This year, amid national unrest over the recent killings of Black Americans, Detroit is holding a weeklong celebration to commemorate Juneteenth. The city of Detroit began holding virtual discussions on Monday related to Black Americans culture and history on their Facebook Live.