Albion celebrated Juneteenth this past weekend on Saturday, June 17th. There was a parade from City Hall to Holland Park where Mayor Victoria Snyder read the Proclamation and festivities were held. There were words from community leaders including Councilwoman Lenn Reid and Representative Jim Haadsma, as well as prayers by Nathaniel Bogan. There were opportunities for education and health resources with booths including human trafficking resources, Care Well Services, the Albion Health Care Alliance, Grace Health, and Summit Point.
Juneteenth, or Emancipation Day, holds great significance in American history as it commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The federal holiday recognizes the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is a time to celebrate and learn. It is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S. dating back over 150 years. In Mayor Snyder’s Proclamation she explained how in 2005, the state of Michigan declared the third Saturday of June the state recognized Juneteenth National Freedom Day, the day of celebration.
This day is a time to reflect and learn about the past of our country. Vivian Davis, Councilwoman and Juneteenth Committee member, elaborated on the Albion’s Juneteenth Celebration being a time of community togetherness and celebrating African American history.
Albion first started celebrating Juneteenth in 2006 when Carrie Anderson organized a celebration in her home. Anderson was originally from Texas, where Juneteenth celebrations originated. Although Anderson has since past, her legacy of Juneteenth celebrations continues annually in Albion with the work of the Albion Juneteenth Committee. The event has expanded to a whole day of learning, music, and reflection. It may be one designated day of celebration, but every day is a good day to learn about our nation’s history.
Information provided from https://albionjuneteenth.org and statements from Juneteenth events in Albion, Michigan.
