The Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance, in collaboration with several esteemed organizations, is thrilled to announce the Juneteenth Freedom Fest taking place on Sunday, June 18, 2023. This special celebration commemorates the day of liberation for African Americans in the United States while highlighting the achievements of Black businesses, Black fatherhood, and Black excellence.
Charity Dean, CEO of the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “We are thrilled to bring together partners for the opportunity to celebrate Black culture and liberation at Juneteenth Freedom Fest, where Black businesses and families can thrive no matter where they are; in downtown and in the neighborhood, at festivals and at pop-ups. This event is a reflection of our work, our liberation, our progress, and our future. We are honored to continue leading the way for this important celebration.”
The Juneteenth Freedom Fest promises a diverse range of activities suitable for the entire family, including:
- The Kids Zone, featuring a video game truck, a Detroit Pistons basketball court, bounce houses, a DPSCD Reading Tent, a DCFC Soccer field, and more.
- The Cool Dad Award, sponsored by the Detroit Lions, to recognize five outstanding fathers in Metro Detroit. Nominations for the award are still open.
- The Grown Zone, sponsored by Tito’s Vodka, offering a section for adults to enjoy drinks and entertainment.
- The Black Bottom Row Vendor Market, where Black businesses from across the City of Detroit will showcase their products in a large-scale pop-up.
- The Main Stage, featuring a celebration of 50 Years of Hip-Hop with Detroit’s favorite DJs spinning classic hip-hop tunes from different decades. The lineup includes Gary Chandler, Wax Tax nDre, Don Q, DJ MoBeats, DJ BJ, and the Detroit Lions’ own DJ Ray Ya Dig.
- A live performance by Charity, adding to the excitement of the event.
- Last year’s festival attracted over 50 businesses and 5,000 guests.
- Comcast Rise will be present to register business owners for a $10,000 grant opportunity.
- The City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunities Department will announce the winners of the Annual Poetry Contest.
Kamilia Landrum, Executive Director of the Detroit Branch NAACP, expressed enthusiasm for supporting the Juneteenth Freedom Fest, emphasizing its role in educating the community about Juneteenth and its significance in history.
The event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including The Kresge Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Chase Bank, Black Leaders Detroit, Pure Michigan Business Connect, Momentus Capital, Invest Detroit, Comerica Bank, Truscott Rossman, Verizon, Target, Detroit Pistons, Tito’s, Flagstar Bank, Detroit Lions, Lake Trust, Small Business Finance, United Way, Comcast Business, and Detroit Manufacturing Systems.
For complete event details, please visit www.JuneteenthDetroit.com.