The celebration of Juneteenth began on June 19th, 1865, in Galveston TX. Juneteenth is a celebration that commemorates African American Freedom and the ending of slavery in the United States of America. In 2003, Battle Creek started Juneteenth celebrations, initiated by the Battle Creek NAACP. In 2005, Juneteenth became a State of Michigan holiday, designating the 3rd Saturday in June, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially designated as a federal holiday and on March 1, 2022, the City of Battle Creek added Juneteenth as an official city holiday in Battle Creek.

The Battle Creek Juneteenth Celebration Committee and the Southwestern Michigan Urban League announced in 2009 for the first time a combined event, which became Juneteenth Family Day. We are very excited to offer this celebration to the community in recognition of Juneteenth, families and especially the youth of Battle Creek.