Detroit’s Russell Woods neighborhood celebrates Juneteenth

We celebrated “blacknificents” with our very own “Black Wall Street”.

Juneteenth, also affectionately known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day, was first celebrated June 19, 1865 when the state of Texas decided to announce the end of slavery due to the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. Yes, my people, two and a half years of extended free labor.

So, Russell Woods-Sullivan Area Association, in our “magnificents,” decided to recognize such a historical event and celebrate freedom with our neighbors. Our inaugurual Juneteenth celebration was held June 19, 2021 at Russell Woods Park’s gazebo featured in the colorful red, black, and green. We had music, vendors and fun. If you missed it, please save the date for next year’s event.

RWSAA is planning a bigger and better Juneteenth 2022. We hope to have live music, food trucks, and a building for inclement weather. RWSAA would like to thank its neighbors and friends of same and different nationalities for being a part of our first Juneteenth celebration. It rained a bit...okay it rained a lot, but we celebrated with great company and good times. Thank you!