Genesee County, MI — The Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School celebrates Juneteenth with our Flint Cultural Center campus neighbors, hosting a series of festivities and events FREE and open to the public on Saturday, June 21 from 11 am until 4 pm. Food trucks, vendors, and live music on the main stage will follow the opening Freedom March led by Hamady High School’s marching band. The Freedom March begins at 11a on the corner of Crapo and E. Kearsley Streets, and is open to the whole community.

Juneteenth Celebration @ The Flint Cultural Center is organized by the traditional Flint Juneteenth committee members in partnership with Sloan Museum of Discovery, Longway Planetarium, FIM, Flint Institute of Arts, Applewood Estate, Whaley Historical House, and the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library. The event is generously supported in part by Bridging Michigan. FIA Juneteenth activities are sponsored by Huntington Bank.

Juneteenth was made an official U.S. Federal holiday (officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day) in 2021. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. The Traditional Flint Juneteenth Celebration, spearheaded by the late “Mother” E. Hill DeLoney, has been organizing Juneteenth events for fifty-three years. The 2025 celebration is the most robust lineup yet with entertainment, educational, and spiritual events throughout May 31-June 22.  

DeWaun Robinson is the Chairperson of the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration in Flint. “These are historic times we are in and it’s going to take each and everyone of us to stand on the right side of liberation. Black history is American history,” commented Robinson. “Juneteenth events are open to everyone and we invite our community members to check out all the activities to find a couple that speak to you. From Mama Sol at the Flint Cultural Center, to Healing Circles at King Peace Park, to Financial Literacy classes, and so many more options, there will be something for everyone to learn, grow and just enjoy.”

The FIA’s roster of Juneteenth activities will include traditional African mask making, button making, a community Paint-by-Number mural, a community weaving project, flameworking demos in the Hot Shop, temporary tattoos, sidewalk chalk art, and some fun giveaways. Below is a timeline of the Juneteenth Celebration featured events:

• 11:00a Freedom March Kickoff (starting at Crapo and Kearsley Streets and
• led by the Hamady High School band) 
• 11:15a Hamady High School band
• 11:45a Phil Young Band (Motown, R&B)
• 12:45p Spoken Word Artists (Amber Hasan, Phire Sis, Jerimiah Whitehead)
• 1:15p Reclaimed Series
• 1:30p Mama Sol
• 2:30p Battle of the Line Dancing