Empire State Review Contributor 
MIDLAND, MI — On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Midland, Michigan, was alive with celebration as Creative 360 hosted a dynamic Juneteenth event. This year’s observance marked another milestone in honoring the history and enduring significance of Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The celebration was a lively expression of community unity, drawing a diverse audience across generations, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Juneteenth, which takes place on June 19 each year, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom. The announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which had declared the freedom of slaves in Confederate states. The delay in the announcement was due to the slow spread of information in the post-Civil War South. As news of freedom spread throughout the country, Juneteenth became a powerful symbol of both liberation and resilience, particularly for Black communities in America.
Creative 360’s Juneteenth celebration in Midland featured a range of activities, aimed at fostering reflection, education, and cultural expression. Attendees were treated to live music performances, including soul, jazz, and gospel genres, which not only entertained but also underscored the deep cultural roots of African American heritage. Local artists showcased their work in an art exhibition, which featured pieces that celebrated African American history, as well as the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
In addition to the arts and music, the event also served as an important platform for community discussion. Several local leaders, historians, and activists participated in discussions, engaging attendees in thoughtful dialogue about the continued importance of Juneteenth. These discussions touched on the history of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing struggles for racial equality. Many speakers also emphasized the need for continued awareness and education, stressing that Juneteenth is not just a celebration but also a call to action for freedom and justice for all.
The day’s festivities also highlighted the inclusive nature of Juneteenth. People from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds participated, reinforcing the idea that freedom and equality are values that transcend any one group. For many, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the importance of unity in the face of adversity, as well as the need to celebrate progress while acknowledging the challenges still to be faced.
For Midland, the event was particularly meaningful in that it drew attention to the broader significance of Juneteenth as a national holiday. While Juneteenth has been observed by African American communities for over 150 years, it gained even greater national recognition when it was declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021. The new federal status has led to a surge of Juneteenth events across the country, and Midland’s celebration was no exception, as local residents embraced the chance to reflect on history while looking forward to a more inclusive future.
The event was also a demonstration of the strong sense of community in Midland, with local businesses and organizations partnering to provide resources, refreshments, and support for the celebration. Many of these local sponsors expressed their commitment to fostering a more inclusive community and promoting awareness of social justice issues.
For many, Juneteenth represents a moment to honor the resilience of African Americans, while also recognizing the shared responsibility to continue fighting for equality in the present. As attendees reflected on the significance of the day, there was a shared understanding that the fight for freedom is ongoing and requires collective effort from all members of society.
The celebration concluded with a closing ceremony that left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in their community. Creative 360’s Juneteenth event in Midland not only celebrated the historical achievements of the past but also looked forward to a future where justice and equality continue to be the foundation of American society.
Juneteenth remains an important observance for all Americans, and Midland’s celebration in 2025 was a powerful reminder of the significance of the day. As communities across the nation continue to find ways to observe and honor this crucial moment in history, Juneteenth remains a testament to both the struggles and triumphs of the African American community, and to the enduring fight for freedom and equality for all.
