SLAVERY

Voters in four states have approved ballot measures that will change their state constitutions to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime.

“Do you believe that modern-day slavery exists?” Cassimy asked Seydi Sarr. “It has always existed,” Sarr replied.

EMU will be offering events in three communities to commemorate Juneteenth.

President Joe Biden will sign legislation into law on Thursday that officially makes Juneteenth a federal holiday -- the first new national holiday since 1983.

A new exhibition at the Dutch national museum in Amsterdam is taking an unflinching look at the brutal history of the country's involvement in the global slave trade.

The United States has the highest rate of incarceration of any country in the world. The country represents only 5% of the global population but 25% of the prison population. Here’s a look into the prison system in the United States and how slavery and racism contributed to it. Watch the full report above to learn more.

DETROIT – Have you ever learned about George DeBaptiste? How about William Lambert? Here’s a look at some Detroiters who played big roles in the Underground Railroad, and the historic sites in the city (and just across the Detroit River in Canada) that you may never have noticed. Watch the full story above to learn all about it. More: Black History Month section

DETROIT In this era of racial reckoning, an emotional documentary is coming to Detroit that peels back the layers of history. It deals with the 13th Amendment and what it did for African Americans and the stipulation that leaves a racist legacy that continues to echo today. Its those raw emotions, Lauren Stovall said anyone will experience after watching the documentary 13th. This documentary, really takes a look at history. I kind of approached Downtown Detroit Partnership about showing a viewing of specifically the film 13th. It means, that were gaining or trying to gain an empathy to one another.More information on the showing can be found here.

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.

DETROIT DTE Energy announced Monday that June 19 -- a holiday known as Juneteenth -- will be recognized company wide on Friday as a day for reflection and well-being amid national unrest. Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when the last African American slaves were informed of their freedom. DTE said in a statement that employees across the country will receive a paid day off on Friday, encouraging them to join with family members, friends or coworkers to listen, learn, heal and act for racial justice." I stand with all 10,000 DTE employees against all forms of discrimination and violence at work and where we live. DTE joins a list of companies -- including Detroit-based Quicken Loans and Nike -- in recognizing Juneteenth this year.

DETROIT The city of Detroit is holding a weeklong celebration for Juneteenth. Juneteenth honors the day in 1865 when United States soldiers announced the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to enslaved African Americans in Texas. The official anniversary date is June 19. Starting Monday, June 15, the city of Detroit will hold a livestream discussion about civil rights, inclusion and opportunity. The event is set to start at 6 p.m. on Facebook.

DETROIT A Detroit-based mortgage company said it will offer a paid holiday to employees on June 19, which is observed as the end of slavery in the United States. Quicken Loans said the policy covers 30,000 employees. Juneteenth will be a paid holiday for team members who choose to commemorate this day, chief executive Jay Farner said Friday on Twitter. Quicken Loans and affiliated companies have a large presence in Detroit, which is about 80% black. Related: Nike is making June 19 -- Juneteenth -- a company holiday