Oakland County Juneteenth Celebration: Journey to Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Community

Join Oakland County as we honor Juneteenth, a historic day marking the end of the enslavement of Black people in the United States and celebrating the continued drive for equality for all.

This year’s theme, “Journey to Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Community,” reflects our commitment to fostering inclusion, connection, and collaboration across our community.

This vibrant celebration welcomes employees and the general public for an afternoon of reflection, joy, and community.

Schedule of Events

11:50 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Live Entertainment
• Food Trucks
• Oakland County Meet & Greet Tables
• FREE Ice Cream (Sponsored by Oakland County Human Resources)
• Giveaways

Noon

• Singing of the Black National Anthem – Elena Recinto
• Flag Raising Ceremony
• Speakers
• Art & Essay Contest Winners
• Presenters: Bobbie Benton, Vice Chair of Black Excellence and Empowerment (B.E.E.), an Oakland County Employee Resource Group

Entertainment

• DJ Dr. Darrius (formerly of WJLB)
• Impulse Dance Academy
• Esau Parker
• Ber-Henda Williams
• Youth Poets from Inside Out Literary Arts
• Detroit School of Arts – African Dancers

• Motor City Jack and Jill Youth Performers
  "Mothers of the Movement" Theatrical Presentation
  This moving theatrical piece honors the lives, leadership, and lasting impact of three influential women of the Civil Rights Movement:

  • Betty Shabazz
  • Myrlie Evers-Williams
  • Coretta Scott King

  Through storytelling and performance, the presentation explores their advocacy, sacrifices, and contributions to advancing civil rights, strengthening communities, and carrying forward the legacy of freedom and justice.

Interactive Activities

• Coloring station provided by The Coloring Museum
• 360 Photobooth
• Face painting by Jazzy the Clown
• “Ancestors’ Garden” Planting Seed Station provided by KwanzaaMe

Speakers

• David Coulter, Oakland County Executive
• Harry Weaver III, Chief Oakland County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
• Angela Powell, Oakland County Commissioner
• Ebony Bagley, Chair Oakland County Parks Commission

Food Trucks

• Heavenly Chicken & Waffles
• 313 Hotdogs
• Foodies Food Truck
• Flavors of Jamaica
• Uncle Jerry's BBQ
• Seoul Rolls

Meet & Greet Tables

• ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.
• Anna and things chocolate
• Aprils Famous Bakes
• Black Excellence and Empowerment ERG
• Comfort Canines
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion
• Emergency Management
• Lady P Productions
• League of Women Voters
• MDHHS-Oakland County
• MSU Extension
• Oakland 80
• Oakland County Health & Human Services
• Oakland County Historical Commission
• Oakland County Human Resources
• Oakland County Michigan Works!
• Oakland County Parks
• Oakland County Safety Division
• Oakland County Veterans Services
• Oak Street Health
• Pontiac Public Library
• Rochester Christian University
• Oakland County Treasurer’s Office
• We Be Poppin

Students in grades K–12 and Post-Secondary Vocational are invited to participate in Oakland County’s Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest! Submissions were due by Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. — winners will be recognized at our Juneteenth Celebration on June 18^th. Visit the Oakland County Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest webpage for more information.

We look forward to seeing you there!

📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026
📍 1200 N Telegraph, Circuit Court Courtyard
⏰ 11:00 a.m.-2 p.m.