The call for submissions for the Juneteenth Art and Essay Contest is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated! Please check back after the event for contest winner announcements.

Download 2026 Oakland County Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest Flyer

Description

It's time to celebrate Juneteenth with Oakland County at our 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration! We invite all Oakland County artists and writers, from kindergarten through 12th grade and post-secondary vocational, regardless of background, to participate in this special celebration of freedom, culture, and history. Juneteenth is a momentous occasion that marks the end of slavery in the United States and honors the strength, resilience, and spirit of African Americans.

This contest offers a platform to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth and explore its lasting impact on our society. Whether through visual art or written expression, we encourage you to share your perspective on what freedom and equality mean to you. Your submissions are a chance to showcase creativity, spark meaningful conversation, and help preserve the rich history of this monumental day.

Timeline

• Submission Due Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
• Winners Notified: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
• Award Ceremony: Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Juneteenth Celebration

Contest Theme

Journey to Juneteenth: What Does Freedom Mean Today?

Eligibility

This student expression contest is open to students who live in Oakland County and or attend Oakland County Schools. There will be one winner selected for each category (essay and art) from the following age ranges:

• Kindergarten – 3^rd Grade
• 4^th Grade – 7^th Grade
• 8^th Grade – 12^th Grade
• Post-Secondary Vocational

All work submitted must include name, grade level, and name of school. There is a rubric for each grade group that will be used for scoring.

Artwork Requirements

All artwork must be relevant to the theme, Journey to Juneteenth: What Does Freedom Mean Today? Create artwork that represents the journey to freedom, the meaning of Juneteenth, or what freedom and community look like today. Art can include painting, drawing, collage, carving, sculpture, or other visual art. A clear, unedited picture of the artwork must be submitted by Friday, May 29, 2026. The physical artwork will be requested from the winner.

• Parameters for paintings, drawings, and collages: 8.5x11 or 11x14
• Parameters for sculptures and carvings: no larger than 24 inches in height.

Essay Requirements

Essays must be relevant to the theme, Journey to Juneteenth: What Does Freedom Mean Today? Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 that enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. What does freedom mean in your life, your community, or our country today? Essays must be submitted by Friday, May 29, 2026.

• Minimum of 250 words, maximum of 500 words.
• Double spaced & 12-point font.

Prize and Recognition

Two winners will be selected per category, with a total of eight winners. Winners will be notified on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Winners will be awarded a $150 gift card which will be presented on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Oakland County Juneteenth Celebration.

Essays and artwork will also be displayed at the Oakland County Executive Office Building, on the Oakland County Website, and at the Juneteenth Celebration. All contestants are invited and will receive a participation ribbon. Artwork will be displayed as a part of the Juneteenth strolling art show.

Oakland County Juneteenth Celebration

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: Oakland County Court House, 1200 N Telegraph, Pontiac, MI 48341

For questions contact Bobbie Benton at bentonb@oakgov.com.