Join GVSU in Celebrating Juneteenth with Our Community!

We are pleased to announce a series of Juneteenth events sponsored by Grand Valley State University. The celebration will kick off with an on-campus breakfast, providing an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to gather, connect, and build community. This day is dedicated to honoring the historical significance of Juneteenth and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to supporting the Black and African American community both on and off campus. We encourage everyone to join us in these festivities and show their support for these important community celebrations. Employees are advised to coordinate with their departments and supervisors to ensure work is covered. Participation in any of the GVSU-sponsored or supported events does not require taking time off. Together, let’s celebrate freedom and community spirit.

June 19, 2024 ● 8:30am-10am ● University Club & Lobby ● DeVos Center C ● Grand Rapids

The Office of the President and the Division of Inclusion and Equity are excited to host the second annual Juneteenth University Breakfast. We warmly invite students, faculty, and staff to join us for a morning of delicious food, vibrant music, and a celebration of community. Drop by and be part of this meaningful event!

Junior Juneteenth Freedom Parade ● Wednesday, June 19, 2024 ● 12pm-1pm

West Michigan Jewels of Africa and the City of Grand Rapids present Junior Juneteenth Freedom Parade 2024. Join to celebrate the rich history and culture of our Black and African American communities. Bring your family and friends and experience a day of unity, entertainment, empowerment.

Parade Route: South 1200 Block Eastern Ave, SE then West on Crofton and South on Linden into the Dickinson Buffer Park at 1635 Willard St. SE., Grand Rapids

Dickinson Park Dunumba ● Wednesday, June 19, 2024 ● 1pm-7pm

GVSU is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of this year's annual event hosted by West Michigan Jewels of Africa. This signature event is the original Juneteenth celebration in Grand Rapids. This year's focus is on youth, featuring a special Junior Juneteenth theme. The family-friendly cultural holiday celebration promises an enjoyable experience for all. A special thank you to Crystal Scott-Tunstall, Affiliate Faculty in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, who will again host a sustainability booth offering take-home zero-waste products and plants.

Location: Dickinson Buffer Park, 1635 Willard St. SE., Grand Rapids

Juneteenth "Block Party" Screening ● Wednesday, June 19, 2024 ● 7pm

Watch the made-in-GR movie "Block Party" for at Weathy Street Theatre. The film follows recent Harvard graduate, Keke McQueen (Antionette Robertson), who is eager to pursue the next stage in her life away from her beloved hometown for a lucrative career in Atlanta. When she discovers that her Grandma (Margaret Avery) is suffering from dementia, Keke puts her career at stake in order to save her grandma's historic Juneteenth block party, and in the process, Keke falls back in love with her hometown and its people. Support by Baxter Neighborhood Association, Habitat for Humanity, City of GR Office of Special Events, Kenneth Cortez Productions, and Grand Valley State University.

Location: Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids

2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration: On the Block ● Saturday, June 22 ● 12pm-6pm

GVSU is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration hosted by Sistas in Development. Sistas in Development is focused on building a community where Black women are valued and supported, with access to resources, education, and opportunities for success.

Location: Grand Rapids Media Initiative and Film Incubator, 1110 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids

Juneteenth is considered the oldest recognized Black and African American holiday in the United States. Juneteenth commemorates the freedom of enslaved people in Texas in 1865 and is significant in that it came more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which legally abolished chattel slavery in Confederate states. This day holds profound historical significance as it marks a pivotal milestone for mass emancipation, which was fully realized when slavery was unequivocally abolished with the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1866. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for justice and the continual pursuit of racial equality and civil rights in the United States. The National Museum of African American History and Culture provides a robust resource to learn more about Juneteenth.

Grand Rapids has been officially marking the occasion before the 1990s. Learn more about other events taking place across Grand Rapids and find information on how to support Black-owned restaurants year-round.