Greetings from the Juneteenth Chairperson

The Lansing Juneteenth Committee welcomes you to the Lansing Juneteenth Celebration in Lansing, Michigan for the 31st annual Juneteenth Celebration. Come and celebrate an African-American Freedom Holiday!

What is Juneteenth? We have learned much over the years of what happened back on June 19, Galveston, TX. Through continued research it has been described this way by NJOF!

The enslaved people in Texas didn’t get the word that they were free until June 19, 1865. The state’s Government simply chose not to be in compliance with Federal law and opted instead to conceal the Executive mandate by coalescing with the elite plantation owners, who for the most part was the aristocracy of the time, known as The Planter Society, to facilitate the harvesting of their cotton. Freedom was not known until Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX on June 18th with more than 4,000 United States Colored Troops USCT. On June 19th, 1865, Granger issued General No.3 advising all, that slaves had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and it was posted on the door of Reedy Chapel. Thus, began what is now known as Juneteenth. Juneteenth also emphasizes education and achievement internationally. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and planning for the future. (NJOF)

About the NJOF

NJOF is a national foundation, including hundreds of local organizations., that have been instrumental in the passage of Juneteenth Independence Day legislation. The NJOF advances the right of Freedom through its initiatives including education, health, music, art, and technology creating opportunities for a better life for all. By focusing on these key building blocks the NJOF movement creates long-lasting community change. The NJOF is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change.

Now that you know about the history of Juneteenth Day and why we celebrate it! This year’s theme is: Juneteenth, the Truth!

The Lansing Juneteenth Committee/PEERS (Progressive Empowerment Education Resources, Inc.) our non-profit 501c3 organization is a proud member of NJOF and helped with the advocacy in Michigan’s recognition of Juneteenth in June, 2005 under former Governor Jennifer Granholm, PA 48 (SB384). On June 17, 2021 President Biden signed legislation creating Juneteenth National Freedom Day or the Juneteenth National Holiday! We have come a long way and are still energized as we prepare to celebrate our 31st year! So let the fun begin! On Saturday, June 8, 2024 with our Negro League Tribute Game as we welcome Detroit’s Finest in the game, the Pony Express -VS- Fire in the Hole! Enjoy a competitive ballgame, food and merchant vendors. All going down at the Gier Park Ballfield, on Lansing’s Northside of the city. This is truly a community affair as Mr. Gregory Eaton throws the First Pitch, Fred Ford and Van Loggins are the game announcers, and Rev. DeBorah Holt Foster honors the game by singing the Black National Anthem, let’s get ready, Play Ball!

Next is the Capitol City Kickoff Ceremony recognizing the 31st annual Juneteenth Celebration and the 20th Annual State observance of Juneteenth in Lansing, Michigan. The ceremony announcement of award winners of the 2024 Mrs. Vivian Riddle Lansing Juneteenth Essay Completion & Scholarship Program. Our Emcee none other than the dazzling Ms. Rachelle Legrand, Studio 10 TV Host with WILX. Featuring

Keynote Speaker, Teresa A. Caine Bingman, Esq. She is quickly becoming known as a “Social Justice Warrior.”

Attorney Bingman owns and operates the Law Offices of Teresa A. Bingman. Attorney Bingman litigates various legal issues and provides governmental and business consulting services. She served as Deputy Legal Counsel and Cabinet Secretary for former Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and has also served as an Assistant Attorney General. Championing urban and criminal justice legal and policy issues since starting her legal career in 1988. In July 2020, Mayor Andy Schor retained Bingman as the lead expert consultant to work with a group of city leaders, community activists, leaders and influencers to develop a plan and structure for the Mayor’s Racial Justice and Equity Alliance (MRJEA). Our Special musical feature will be the MSU Gospel Choir accompanied by Rev. Anthony Taylor. Don’t you love the upbeat spirt of our young people!

Moving right along to the Freedom Festival at St. Joseph Park or St. Joe as the locals call it! Beginning Friday, June 14th at 4pm the stage opens with DJ Host, DJ Magic (Mike Sims) playing the tunes. Let’s get moving with Hustle/Line dancing with Yvonne Curtis Mayors and closing out with DJ Genesis along with musical guests featuring R&B and

Hip Hop until Dusk! The Freedom Festival continues on Saturday, June 15th. Beginning with the 5K Run Walk/Roll at 8:30 am at the Sexton High School Track. Spearheaded by Ramon Brunson and the Run Tha City 517 and ending at St. Joe Park! Next also on Saturday morning, is the Juneteenth African American Parade stepping off at 11am at the J.W. Sexton High School. A great turnout of community involvement led by our Lansing Police Department Motorcycle Unit, two Grand Marshals, Community Activist, Mitzi Allen and Boys & Girls Club President, Carmen Turner. The history of the parade begins with recognizing the late Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy, the founder of Lansing’s African American Parade. The parade route runs through a Westside neighborhood and ends at St. Joe Park, Lansing. Upon arriving at St. Joe Park, the bands continue to play and the crowd surrounds the stage as the African tradition of drumming by Saleem Shabazz fills the air! An African Ceremonial opening includes “Calling to the Ancestors” and “Pouring of Libations” with Dr. Willie Davis and Pastor Pj Anderson. The Children’s Activity Area is filled with plenty of activities for them from face painting, the bounce house, story time, games, giveaways and the annual Bike Raffle in addition to the playground equipment in the same area! A child’s dream of fun, fun, fun!

Some special features include the Juneteenth/NAACP Lansing Branch Job & Community Resource Fair, The Health Fair, Exhibitors, Food and Merchant Vendors. The air is filled with musical tunes rendering from DJ Swift (Eric Smith) and DJ Magic (Mike Sims). It just makes you want to dance! So, let’s dance, Hustle/Line dancing with Shelia Carter in the afternoon and Capitol City Hustler Sterling Armstrong in the early evening. Music categories ranging from Gospel, R&B/Blues and Jazz! This year’s musical headliner is Alexander Zonjic & Friends featuring Smooth Jazz at 7:30 pm. The evening ends at dusk with a big Bang firework show!

You will not want to miss this year’s 31st Annual Lansing Juneteenth Celebration! For more information visit LansingJuneteenthCelebration. org.

At the June 17, 2005 Juneteenth holiday bill signing (l-r) Senator Martha G.

Committee Chair,