Michigan Celebrates Juneteenth State Holiday

Just in time for the Juneteenth celebration, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed legislation honoring two important pieces of African-American history. Senate Bill 384 (PA 48) officially designates the third Saturday in June as Juneteenth National Freedom Day and November 26 as Sojourner Truth Day in Michigan. “I am honored to officially declare Juneteenth National Freedom Day and Sojourner Truth Day in Michigan,” said Granholm. “These days will call us each year to celebrate freedom and to honor the heroic men and women who fought to ensure that the principles of liberty and equality apply to everyone.”The governor signed the bill on June 17, 2005. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in America. The first festivities, held 150 years ago on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, were a spontaneous celebration of the news that Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, giving slaves their freedom. However, the news did not reach Texas until more than two years after Lincoln’s actions, but the delay didn’t dampen the festivities.

Michigan is the 18th state to officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. Celebrations are held in communities across Michigan the weekend of June 19. “Juneteenth is a celebration of African- American history and culture,” said Senator Martha G. Scott who sponsored the legislation. “It is important that we promote understanding, freedom and a strong sense of community.” Sojourner Truth was born a slave in the late 18th century. After escaping the bonds of slavery, Truth became a tireless advocate for freedom and equality, once meeting with President Lincoln in her quest for economic opportunities for newly freed slaves. Truth settled in Battle Creek in 1858 where she began a job placement program to match former slaves with job openings in the area. “Sojourner Truth is a hero in my community, and this recognition is long overdue,” said Senator Mark Schauer, who has long advocated for a day honoring the legendary woman. “Because of this new law, each November 26 will be set aside for us to remember Sojourner Truth’s courage and eloquence on behalf of the rights and dignity of all people.”

Marilyn Rogers Chairperson, Lansing Juneteenth Celebration

PO Box 27623

Lansing, MI 48909

Dear Chairperson Rogers,

As we approach Juneteenth, a day of immense historical significance, I am overjoyed to write on behalf of the Westside Neighborhood Association in support of the Juneteenth Celebration parade and 5K on Saturday, June 15th, 2024. This celebration not only honors our shared heritage but also promotes unity, education, and wellness.

The Westside Neighborhood Association appreciates that Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed that all enslaved people were free. This momentous occasion marked the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of freedom and equality.

The Westside Neighborhood is honored to have the Juneteenth Parade and 5K Run weaving through our streets, symbolizing the journey from bondage to liberation. These events remind us of the resilience, courage, and hope that define our shared history. Those powerful lessons deliver hope for the future and celebrate achievement of the descendants of those freed that day

Sincerely,

Heath B. Lowry President, Board of Directors Westside Neighborhood Association

20th ANNUAL CAPITAL CITY KICK-OFF JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OPENING CEREMONY

Thursday, June 14, 2024 - 5:30-7:30 P.M.

Lansing Community College -Gannon Building - Michigan Room

PROCESSONAL Essay & Scholarship Awardees

Accompanied by African Drummer, Saleem Shabazz

Rev. Anthony Taylor, Program Musician

Mistress of Ceremony

Rachelle Legrand

WILX TV – Host of Studio 10 Program

OPENING SONG

PRAYER FOR UNITY

WELCOME

Lift Every Voice and Sing MSU Gospel Choir

Rev. Adrian Swanigan, Pastor Mask Memorial CME Church, Lansing, MI

Mr. Ervin Pratt

Facilities Sub-Committee Member

Remembering our Ancestors-Pouring Libations

Chaplain Pamelajune Anderson, D. Min Space for Grace Fellowship Ministries UCC, Lansing, MI

Dr. Willie Davis, All Around the African World Museum

SPECIAL SALUTES - Juneteenth Committee

In Memory of Gordon Haskins, Founding Member, Lansing Juneteenth Committee In Memory of Gordon Haskins, Founding Member Lansing Juneteenth Committee &

Tributes to Robert P. Busby-Creole Gallery, Musicians-Harvey Pershay and Clarence Demyer, Juneteenth Members - Doris Carlice, Ngere Wali, Carmine Henderson, Rev John Burnes, Rodney Shepard, Michael McFadden, Bonnie A Jones

Rev. Lester D. Stone, Reesa Civils, Anita Civils, Annette Haskins, Kay McDuffie, Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy, Dr. Saleef Kafajouffe, Jennie Washington, Jessie Taylor, Rudolph Wilson, Gregory Kelley, Dr. Lillian McFadden, Rev. Lyndon B. Ford, James Butler, III, Dianne M. Hicks Flourry, Larry Carter (Jay Price), Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson, Rev. Sterling O. Littlejohn, Apostle David W. Maxwell.

MUSICAL SELECTIONS

GREETINGS CITY OF LANSING MAYOR

GREETINGS & PRESENTATION STATE SENATOR

INTRODUCTON OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MSU Gospel Choir

The Honorable Andy Schor

The Honorable Sarah Anthony

Ms. Barbara Davis, Juneteenth Committee Secretary

JUNETEENTH ADDRESS

Teresa A. Caine Bingham, Esq.

Special Thank you Presentation to Teresa A. Caine Bingham, Esq.

Dr. Linda Logan, Marilyn Rogers & Rev. Dr. A. Richard Doss (Photo with Committee)

20th ANNUAL CAPITAL CITY KICK-OFF JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OPENING CEREMONY

Thursday, June 14, 2024 - 5:30-7:30 P.M.

PRESENTATION OF ESSAY & SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS

PROCESSONAL

Lansing Community College -Gannon Building - Michigan Room

Ms. Debra Plummer, Education Subcommittee Chair, Education Sub-Committee Members

Essay & Scholarship Awardees

Accompanied by African Drummer, Saleem Shabazz

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS & DIGNITARIES

Rev. Anthony Taylor, Program Musician

Mrs. Marilyn Rogers Chairperson Lansing Juneteenth Committee

MUSICAL SELECTION

Mistress of Ceremony

Rachelle Legrand

REVIEW OF JUNETEENTH ACTIVITIES

OPENING SONG

The Soweto Gospel Choir (Pre-recorded)

WILX TV – Host of Studio 10 Program

Ms. Angela Mathews

Communications & Marketing Sub-Committee & LCC Board Trustee Chair

Lift Every Voice and Sing MSU Gospel Choir

CLOSING REMARKS………………………………...………………...Rev. Dr. A. Richard Doss, Pastor

PRAYER FOR UNITY

CLOSING SELECTION

WELCOME

MUSICAL

GREETINGS

GREETINGS

St. John's CME Church, Detroit MI, P E.E.R.S. Chairman

Rev. Adrian Swanigan, Pastor Mask Memorial CME Church, Lansing, MI

Rev. Anthony Taylor

Mr. Ervin Pratt

Facilities Sub-Committee Member

Thank you all for attending, we look forward to seeing you at our Juneteenth Celebration activities

Remembering our Ancestors-Pouring Libations

Chaplain Pamelajune Anderson, D. Min Space for Grace Fellowship Ministries UCC, Lansing,

INTRODUCT Juneteenth

JUNETEENTH ADDRESS

Teresa A. Caine Bingham, Esq.

2024 Juneteenth Essay And Scholarship Program

Essay Competition and Scholarship Winners

Category II – 1st Place Essay Winner

Dezmen Williams 8th Grade Waverly Middle School

Category III – 1st Place Essay Winner

Devonte’ Greer 10th Grade Waverly High School

Category III – 2nd Place Essay Winner

Anthony Williams 9th Grade Waverly High School

2024 Graduates

Category IV – 1st Place Scholarship Winner

Hailey Perkins 12th Grade Okemos High School

Bellamy - Taylor Academic Talent Scholarship

Zachary Barker 12th Grade Okemos High School

Bellamy - Taylor Academic Talent Scholarship

Category IV – 1st Place Scholarship Winner

Glorie Clay 12th Grade Lansing Christian University of Olivet Academic Talent Scholarship

As the nation prepares to commemorate Juneteenth on June 19, 2024, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on our freedoms. Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marking the momentous occasion when enslaved African Americans in Texas ultimately