Michigan Cities Get Ready for 2025 Juneteenth Holiday Celebrations

Across Michigan, towns and cities are planning for June 19, 2025. The day marks freedom's arrival in Texas, bringing an end to slavery. Public spaces will buzz with parades, music, and gatherings while government buildings stay shut.

Major cities plan unique events. At 11 a.m., crowds will line Woodward Avenue in Detroit to watch the main parade. By mid-afternoon, streets will fill with festival-goers. Up north in Saginaw and west in Grand Rapids, similar scenes will unfold.

"Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement," states the Juneteenth World Wide Celebration website.

The story starts in Galveston. Union soldiers arrived there on June 19, 1865. They brought news to 250,000 people: their chains were broken. This came two years after Lincoln's famous proclamation had set them free on paper.

In Saginaw, streets will come alive with music and food on June 21. Players will compete in basketball games while vendors serve up local dishes. Grand Rapids adds its own flair with the Afro Gaga Parade, running from noon until sunset.

Marquette's Northern Michigan University stretches the celebration across five days. From June 16-20, people can join drum circles, watch films, learn new dances, and share meals at community picnics.

Downtown Jackson joins in too. Their afternoon festival runs six hours on June 21, mixing outdoor fun with local food. Each year, more Michigan towns add their own special touch to the day.

Mail carriers get the day off - only special deliveries will move. Federal buildings lock their doors. The courts stay quiet.

State workers and bank staff also take the holiday. But police, firefighters, and medics stand ready as always to help.

"This will go down for me as one of the greatest honors I will have as president," said President Biden to USA TODAY when he made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.