Lansing community celebrates Juneteenth with parade, resource fair

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Colors of red, yellow, green and black were seen all across the Lansing area Saturday as people gathered for Juneteenth celebrations ahead of the upcoming holiday.

The afternoon of events began with an African American parade, which marched from J.W. Sexton High School to St. Joseph Park. From dance teams and spirit squads to Black fraternities and nonprofit organizations, the parade put everything the city’s Black community has to offer on display.

Leading the way as this year’s Grand Marshal was West Side Neighborhood Association Vice President Mitzi Allen.

“It was an honor to be asked,” Allen said. “We’re bringing the community together and celebrating the end of slavery, so this is a good time for all of us to come out.”

Festivities continued into the evening at the park, where community members enjoyed food, music and access to various local resources, including a mobile health clinic and voter registration.

“So, we think that this a great place to communicate the message that we’re here to celebrate, as well as to be informative,” said Juneteenth Committee President Marilyn Rogers. “We have a jobs and resource community fair going on as well.”

Rogers and her fellow committee members were one of the driving forces behind making Juneteenth a state and federal holiday. She said nothing brings her joy like seeing the city’s Black community celebrate their freedom and their culture.

“We are just inspired, excited that people are reaching out to us and want to know how they can participate,” she told News 10.

Mayor Andy Schor was also in attendance at Saturday’s activities, walking in the parade and making opening remarks at the park. He said Juneteeth has been a longstanding celebration in Lansing, even before the holiday was recognized at the state and federal level, but as the celebration grows, he’s hoping more people will take the time to dig into its history.

“It’s wonderful to be here and have a party and everything, but it’s also about understanding what the meaning of the day is,” he said. “We’re celebrating an important day in our history. It’s an important day in Black history and American history.”

Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and YouTube page to receive the latest local news and weather. Looking to hire people, or grow your business through advertising? Gray Digital Media is your one-stop marketing solution. Learn more.