Flint, Michigan – Downtown Flint is preparing to mark Juneteenth with an evening built around food, music, family activities and a fireworks show that will close the night over the city skyline.
The City of Flint is inviting residents and visitors to gather downtown on Friday, June 19, for its annual Juneteenth celebration. The event will take place at the Flat Lot, where food trucks, vendors and family-friendly activities are expected to bring people together before the fireworks begin at dusk.
The gathering is meant to be more than a summer night downtown. City officials described the celebration as a chance for Flint to honor freedom, reflect on history and recognize the strength of community. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.
Over time, the date has become a national celebration of freedom, perseverance and the contributions of African Americans across the country.
“Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our history, celebrate our progress and reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger future together,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “We invite residents from across the region to join us downtown as we celebrate freedom, culture and community.”
The downtown fireworks will serve as the final moment of Friday night’s city celebration, but Flint’s Juneteenth observances will stretch beyond one event and across several parts of the community.
Earlier Friday, the 54th Annual Traditional Flint Juneteenth Celebration will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at Max Brandon Park, 3606 Dupont St. Hosted by the Traditional Flint Juneteenth Celebration Committee, the long-running event will include family activities and community engagement opportunities. A parade lineup is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
The celebration will continue Friday evening with an Afrobeats Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the University of Michigan Community Park, located behind the William S. White Building near Fifth Avenue and James B. Cole Boulevard.
On Saturday, June 20, the focus will shift to the city’s cultural district. The Juneteenth @ Cultural Center Celebration is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium, 1221 E. Kearsley St. That event will feature educational programming, cultural exhibits, performances and activities centered on African American history and culture.
Together, the weekend events offer several ways for families, neighbors and visitors to take part, from daytime gatherings and cultural programs to music and fireworks. Residents are encouraged to attend the downtown celebration and explore the broader schedule of Juneteenth activities taking place across Flint during the holiday weekend.