Meridian Township, MI – A multi-event celebration has been planned to honor Juneteenth in Meridian Township. This week, June 13 - June 19, community members are encouraged to participate in one or all of the events to help bring awareness to the historical day.

June 19, 1865 marked the moment when the last of America's enslaved population learned of their freedom two and a half years after they were legally emancipated. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

In 2021, Township officials held a Meridian Business Freedom Fest for an inaugural Juneteenth Community Celebration. This year, activities have been expanded to focus on education and engagement. Events were planned by the ‘Juneteenth for Meridian’ committee, a volunteer group of community members that desire to host Juneteenth and other cultural events throughout Meridian Township. The 2022 Juneteenth events will include the following:

Storybook Reading                                                                   

Today, June 13 the Meridian Freedom Fest kicked off with a video release of Township Supervisor Patricia Herring Jackson reading the children’s book "Juneteenth - Celebrating Freedom". The book was written by Ingham County resident, Julian Van Dyke, who is a celebrated author and novelist. The video recording of the reading has been shared on the Meridian Township website at www.meridian.mi.us/Juneteenth and the Township’s social media platforms.

Free Movie Screening

-Saturday, June 18 at 10:00 am

-Studio C! (1999 Central Park Drive)

Attend a free community movie screening of the film “Akeelah and the Bee” that tells a story of Black excellence and perseverance. Community members are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to showtime. The first 100 people will receive free popcorn and medium drink. No ticket or pre-registration is required, this is a first come first served event.  

Community Forum Discussion

-Saturday, June 18 at 2:00 pm

-Town Hall Room of the Meridian Municipal Building (5151 Marsh Road)

Join the community to discuss cultural issues and hear of Black experiences in Meridian Township led by Dr. Deresa Scott. The forum will be recorded and aired on HOMTV, Meridian Township’s Government Access Channel.

A Spiritual Historical Review

-Sunday, June 19 at 1:00 pm

-Meridian Historical Village Chapel (5151 Marsh Road)

Hear from Pastor Marvin Williams of Trinity Church of Lansing, a Haslett resident teaching the community at large how spirituality led to the construction of modern Black excellence. Pastor Williams may also give an overview of how spirituality has been used as a mechanism to divide the community. In support of the traditional "Sunday Service" and recognizing the diverse faiths of the community, the intent of this historical review is to demonstrate how tradition can work to the advantage of a community to support its advancement. In traditional Black faith, members show up to participate in their faith practice well dressed. Hats, gloves and the best clothing attire is synonymous with the Black community.  Attendees are invited to wear their "Sunday Best" clothes, with gloves, shoes and hats that give a nod to Black culture with respect to religion and how you should present yourself in a reverent space. 

Food and drinks will be served as “Sunday Dinner” after the hour presentation in the Town Hall Room of the Municipal Building (5151 Marsh Road).

The 2022 Juneteenth events have been generously supported by sponsors: Main Event Sponsors; Meridian Economic Development Corporation and Studio C!; Community Sponsors; Playmakers, KEB’s Inc. and Klingman’s Furniture & Design and Day Sponsors; Lotus Beauty Lounge and Ingham County Circuit and Probate Court.

Township offices will also be closed a half day beginning at noon on Monday, June 20 in recognition of the Juneteenth Federal and State holiday. For additional information, visit the Township website at www.meridian.mi.us/Juneteenth.