For the third year in a row, the Sterling Heights African American Coalition is hosting its Juneteenth Celebration. The event is slated for Thursday, June 13 and will be held in collaboration with Dodge Park Thursdays this year.
“The Coalition chose to work in collaboration with Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation’s Dodge Park Thursdays this year to open up the Juneteenth event to an even larger audience,” said Coalition Chair and Resident Diana Bledsoe. “The message of Juneteenth is an important one, and we want everyone in the community to be able to join us for this evening of celebration.”
The event will begin at 3 p.m. during the Dodge Park Farmers Market with several black-owned vendors and food trucks. The event will continue with more than 20 additional vendors and community-based organizations on Dodge Park Amphitheatre’s concert lawn at 5:30 p.m.
Live musical acts will include a jazz performance by Daryl Beebe and The Kamp at 5:30 p.m. followed by Larry Lee and Back in the Day performing upbeat top 40 and R&B tunes at 7:30 p.m. Additional shorter performances of dance and/or poetry readings will take place in between the live musical acts at roughly 7 p.m. along with a special welcome by Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor, members of Sterling Heights City Council and other dignitaries.
A few other fun additions to the event include Pretty Faces by Ms. Kitty (face painter) and a Juneteenth themed photo booth. Attendees can also enjoy a cold beverage and some Juneteenth inspired ambient music across the street at the Patios ‘n’ Pints pop-up beer garden from 5-8 p.m.
“Embracing Juneteenth isn’t just about commemorating the past, but about championing unity in the present,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “Celebrating this historic day in our community furthers our commitment to acknowledging our shared history while creating a future based on inclusion.”
For more information on the Juneteenth event, please contact the Sterling Heights Community Relations Department at (586) 446-2470.