Traditional Flint Juneteenth Celebration 2024

We invite corporations, businesses, individuals, and other institutions to advertise in the journal by highlighting

themselves and their services, or just sharing a word of congratulations or encouragement to the Flint community. On behalf of the Traditional Flint Juneteenth Committee, we invite you to support us in our efforts and to be part of something greater than yourself. “We are our ancestor’s wildest dreams.” Special thanks to our sponsors for believing in this initiative that has been a staple in the City of Flint & Genesee County for fifty-two years. We are connected for life!

Saturday, June 1, 2024: A Day At The Lake (Weekend One) | Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Location: Bethesda Temple Church – 947 Leland St. Flint, MI

Sponsor: Men’s Community Action Resources (MCAR)

Purpose: “A Day At The Lake” is a community event designed to introduce children & youth to fishing and other life skills with fun activities. One-day training will take place at Bethesda Temple which is mandatory and participants will receive fishing poles, tackle boxes, and other prizes. Registration for the day is between 8:30 am – 9:00 am. Lunch will be served at 1:00 pm.

Saturday, June 1, 2024: St. John’s Street Dance | Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: St. John’s Street Neighborhood Memorial Park – W. Boulevard Dr. Massachusetts

Sponsor: St. John’s Street Historical Committee

Purpose: Paying tribute to the Historical St. John Street Neighborhood established in the late 1800s in north Flint, east of the former Buick City factory complex. Very excited about the “Street Dance” block party with backyard BBQ, music, food, and community. St. John Street Historical Committee will provide insight and information about the racially integrated neighborhood without restrictive covenants that prevented people of color from buying and living in the homes.

Friday, June 7, 2024: Midwest Invitation Rodeo | Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Everett A. Cummings Center – 6130 E. Mount Morris Rd. Mt. Morris, MI

Sponsor: Midwest Invitational Rodeo

Purpose: With over 50+ years of experience in rodeo and livestock performances, their focus is to bring an authentic African American rodeo to the Flint & Genesee County community.

Saturday, June 8, 2024: Midwest Invitation Rodeo | Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Everett A. Cummings Center – 6130 E. Mount Morris Rd. Mt. Morris, MI

Sponsor: Midwest Invitational Rodeo

Purpose: With over 50+ years of experience in rodeo and livestock performances, their focus is to bring an authentic African American rodeo to the Flint & Genesee County community.

Saturday, June 8, 2024: A Day At The Lake (Weekend Two) | Time: 8:30 am

Location: Camp A.R.T.I.S @ Shay Lake – 4574 Gifford Dr., Silverwood, MI

Purpose: Weekend two fishing derby days consist of traveling to Camp A.R.T.I.S @ Shay Lake. During the day of fishing, youth have a generation-to-generation interaction that will provide valuable insight, knowledge, and information.

Saturday, June 8, 2024: Juneteenth Kickoff | Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: Sarvis Park – 4000 Wisner Flint, MI

Sponsors: The GenWEL United

Purpose: Collaborating with the good folks of GenWEL United begins with the festivities of Juneteenth 2024 with fun, activities, and food. Activities include music and performances, activities for the children, and vendors. Be part of the village and connect with the community of villagers.

Sunday, June 9, 2024: Saints and Spirits | Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: Metropolitan Church – 930 E. Myrtle Ave. Flint, MI

Sponsors: Metropolitan Church

Purpose: The Black church played a vital role in organizing back in the day; it was a center of community life. Today, the Black church continues to be an essential institution in Black American life. We’ll be hosting a program in the church focused on education and entertainment.

Monday, June 10, 2024: B.U.S.T/Healing Circle | Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: Martin Luther King Peace Park (MLK & McClellan)

Sponsor: Flint Juneteenth Committee & Serenity House

Purpose: The community has been dealing with trials and tribulations seeking to navigate through division. Historically, we have been subject to pain and suffering without any methods to address the core of the problem. We are hosting a holistic healing circle focused on meditation, affirmations, and love. Local pastors will be present to provide a spiritual message to the public.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024: Ujamaa Market | Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: North Flint Food Market (5402 N. Clio Rd. Flint, MI)

Sponsor: North Flint Food Market

Purpose: Celebrating the soft opening of the North Flint Food Market, “We Own It.” This was a monumental moment in time when the community addressed the food desert on the north side of Flint. Black economic empowerment is in order behind the mission of the food co-op. Vendors will be present, and there will be a tour of the newly built facility.

Wednesday, June 12, 2024: Historical War Stories | Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: Berston Field House

Sponsor: Gospel Army Black History Group & Veterans of Now

Purpose: Exploring the history centered around Black soldiers who fought in the war and were never recognized. As we give reverence to past figures who played a role in liberating Black people, we will host Historical War Stories and their impact.

John will provide the layout of the program.

Thursday, June 13, 2024: Hope Renewed Juneteenth Celebration | Time: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: Brennan Center – 1301 Pingree Ave. Flint, MI 48503

Sponsors: Southside City of Hope

Purpose: Renewing hope in the City of Flint involves everyone to make a difference. The day will be filled with poetry, a step show, and youth activities.

Thursday, June 13, 2024: Late Night at the FIA: Juneteenth Social Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: Flint Institute of Arts

Sponsor: Flint Institue of Arts

Purpose: We are kicking off our celebration of Black liberation on Thursday, June 13 with a special Juneteenth party! Featuring DJ Alex Kadie, light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The galleries, Museum Shop, and Palette Cafe will be open all evening long.

Friday, June 14, 2024: Black Lives Matter – Flint Special | Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: McCree Theatre – 4601 Clio Rd, Flint, MI 48504

Sponsor: Flint Institute of Music (FIM) & Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF)

Purpose: “Negroes with Guns” We’ll be examining the history of Blacks who defended themselves by protecting their properties and families in the community. Showcasing the movie “Negroes with Guns” by Robert F. Williams with an exclusive fireside chat with our panel of esteemed historians.

Saturday, June 15, 2024: Harambee Breakfast | Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Higher Quality of Life Ministries Vision Center

Sponsor: Higher Quality of Life Ministries Vision Center

Purpose: In recognition of Juneteenth and the spirit of “pulling together”, we invite you to join us for a Harambe Breakfast. Come and fill your plates and soul with delicious pancakes, sausage, and fellowship.

Saturday, June 15, 2024: The Spotlight @ Sloan Museum | Time: 11:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: Sloan Museum/Longway Planetarium (1221 E. Kearsley St. Flint, MI)

Sponsor: Sloan Museum/Longway Planetarium

Purpose: Partnering for our fourth year with Sloan Museum/Longway Planetarium to bring Blackness to the cultural center. The traditional Freedom March will start the festivities that provide spiritual covering with art activities for children, entertainment, performances, and a few special surprises. Vendors will be present.

Sunday, June 16, 2024 – Freedom Fund Youth Dinner | Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: Sloan Museum of Discovery

Sponsor: Flint Juneteenth Committee

Purpose: The Juneteenth celebration traditionally begins in remembrance and honor of the nearly 1,500 children slaughtered in Soweto, South Africa, on June 16, 1976, protesting against Apartheid! Thus, beginning the end of apartheid ‘The Children’s Brigade” who were painfully hosed and jailed by police during the Civil Rights Movement, The youth played a powerful role in moving the Civil Rights protest to a successful conclusion. This tribute will be led by the children with the support of elder leadership. Dinner will be provided, and entertainment.

Monday, June 17, 2024: Financial Literacy Justice | Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: Flushing Professional Suites (G-3163 Flushing Rd. Flint, MI)

Sponsor: Urban Renewal

Purpose: Emphasizing financial literacy by educating entrepreneurs and small businesses on best practices. We will have bankers and finance advisors delivering lectures and hosting workshops.  For those interested in learning about access to capital, line of credit, financial statements, and business 101, this event is where you need to be.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024: Legacy & Literacy | Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: Hasselbring Senior Center (1002 Home St. Flint, MI)

Sponsor: Hasselbring Senior Center

Purpose: Celebrating our legacy with a twist of literacy at the Hasselbring Senior Center. Fun and excitement with our elders with youth participating in a community fashion show. Live music and food will be served.

Wednesday, June 19, 2024: Juneteenth Celebration | Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location 1st Half: Max Brandon Park (3606 Dupont St. Flint, MI)

Parade Line Up 5:00 pm (From Max Brandon Park)

Sponsor: United Way of Greater Flint

Purpose: Juneteenth at Max Brandon Park is our flagship day for the festival. Activities include youth games, bounce house arts and culture, music performances, and a special ceremony honoring prolific figures from our community. We’ll have vendors present with products, merchandise, and backyard games for adults. Starting at 5:00 pm, the lineup for the Juneteenth Parade with classic cars, motorcycle clubs, marching bands, floats, and the community.

Wednesday, June 19, 2024  – Art á la Carte Film: Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise |

Time: 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm

Location: Flint Institue of Arts

Sponsor: Flint Institue of Arts

Purpose: In the first part of his four-hour series, Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. embarks on a deeply personal journey through the last fifty years of African American history. Joined by leading scholars, celebrities, and a dynamic cast of people who shaped these years, Gates travels from the victories of the civil rights movement up to today, asking profound questions about the state of black America—and our nation as a whole.

Wednesday, June 19, 2024: Afrobeats Party | Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

2nd Half Location: Riverbank Park (100 Saginaw St. Flint, MI)

Sponsor: United Way of Genesee County

Purpose: The Juneteenth Parade will make its final destination downtown for the grand finale to top the evening off with an Afrobeats Party on the Riverbank celebrating our ancestors in fashion. This would be the first of its kind in Flint bringing fresh talent to the stage with a live DJ. All Juneteenth city activities will be meeting downtown for this occasion. Be sure to join us for this wonderful celebration.