GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Friday is Juneteenth. The long-celebrated holiday, which was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free — two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
In Grand Rapids, a parade steps off at noon at the corner of Eastern and Hall. It will head to Dickinson Buffer Park, where an opening ceremony gets underway at 1 p.m. The celebration continues until the evening and will feature food, vendors and activities for kids, including a petting zoo.
“We want you all to come out. This is a family celebration. It’s almost like a family reunion,” said Rhaeven Richardson with West Michigan Jewels of Africa, a local organization that teaches traditional African drumming, dancing, history and culture. “We’re here to celebrate all day long.”
List: Juneteenth events in West Michigan 2026
Organizers say it’s important to recognize Juneteenth…