June 18th – June 20th

Juneteenth in the Farmington Area: **“Let America Be!”** 

Inspired by Langston Hughes’ 1935 poem “Let America Be America Again,” the Farmington Area Juneteenth celebration’s 2026 theme: “Let America Be!”, is a three-day community event honoring freedom, reflection, civic responsibility, and joy. From June 18–20, residents, families, community leaders, faith partners, elected officials, local organizations, and neighbors from across the Farmington Area will gather to celebrate Juneteenth as both a historic milestone and a continuing call to action. Through dialogue, shared meals, civic education, music, dance, food, wellness, children’s activities, and community celebration, the event invites all participants to reflect on America’s ongoing journey toward liberty, justice, and belonging for all.

Thursday June 18th 5:45-8:00 pm
Location: 29887 W. 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills

**Day One: Thursday, June 18 — Community Dialogue, Dinner & Fireworks**  (More)

The celebration begins with an evening designed to bring communiyt leaders together for reflection, fellowship, and dinner. Centered on the dialogue theme “Break Every Chain,” inspired by Tasha Cobbs’ gospel song of the same name, this gathering invites participants to consider the personal, communal, and historical barriers that have been overcome—and the chains that remain to be broken. The evening creates space for honest conversation, shared stories, and renewed commitment to justice and healing.

After dinner the whole community is invited to join for a symbolic display of fireworks. (More)

**Day Two: Friday, June 19 — Virtual Conference on Freedom & the Right to Vote
Location: Virtual –Register for Access to the Conference (More)

On Juneteenth, the celebration continues with a virtual conference focused on **freedom, democracy, and the power of the vote.  From **10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.**, participants will examine the history of civil rights and voter disenfranchisement in the United States while gaining practical tools to strengthen voter participation and civic engagement today.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | “Am I Registered?” The Importance of Voting** 

In partnership with the Michigan Department of State, this session will focus on voter registration, voter access, and the importance of voting in local, state, and national elections. Participants will also explore the history of civil rights and voter disenfranchisement in the United States, connecting the struggles of the past to the civic responsibilities of the present.

Participants will have the opportunity to be guided through the MDOS-Election site in the privacy of their own homes to learn how to find out whether they are registered and other voter information unique to them.

**12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Question & Answer Session** 

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about voter registration, election participation, ballot access, voter education, and ways to help family members, neighbors, and community members become informed and prepared voters.

**12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch on Your Own** 

A midday break will allow participants time to pause, reflect, and prepare for the afternoon’s action-oriented sessions.

**1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Freedom, Democracy & the Power of the Vote: From History to Action** 

In partnership with the Farminton Farmington Hills Democratic Club the afternoon session will move from reflection to action through fireside chats with elected officials and facilitated breakout sessions.

Breakout topics will include: 

– **Civic Engagement & Organizing** 

– **Voter Education & Ballot Readiness** 

– **Democracy & Civil Rights** 

– **Membership & Community Partnerships** 

The conference will reconvene for reflections, a call to action, and closing remarks, encouraging participants to carry the spirit of Juneteenth into everyday civic life and community leadership.

**Day Three: Saturday, June 20 — Juneteenth Festival at Mercy High School**
Location: 29300 W 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, 48336  (More)

The three-day celebration will culminate with a joyful, family-friendly Juneteenth Festival on **Saturday, June 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Mercy High School.** As the closing event of **“Let America Be!”**, the festival will bring together residents, families, community organizations, public servants, local businesses, artists, authors, and youth for a day of celebration, culture, connection, wellness, and fun. The festival will honor Juneteenth not only as a remembrance of emancipation, but also as a living celebration of community resilience, creativity, and hope.

**Official Opening & Community Recognition** 

The festival will begin with an official opening ceremony featuring land recognition, proclamations from the **Cities of Farmington Hills and Farmington**, along with greetings from **U.S. and State Representatives** and local elected officials. This opening will affirm Juneteenth as an important community observance and recognize the shared commitment of local leaders and residents to freedom, equity, inclusion, and civic belonging.

**Vendors, Food Trucks & Community Marketplace** 

Throughout the day, attendees will enjoy local vendors, food trucks, community organizations, and resource tables. The festival marketplace will offer opportunities to support small businesses, enjoy food and refreshments, learn about community programs, and connect with organizations serving families throughout the Farmington Area.

**Music, Movement & Dance** 

The festival will feature lively opportunities for movement and cultural celebration, including **Hustle dance lessons** and a **Freeish dance lesson**. These activities will invite people of all ages and experience levels to participate, learn something new, and celebrate freedom through music, rhythm, and shared joy.

**Wellness, Literacy & Children’s Activities** 

Families will be able to visit wellness tables, meet children’s authors, and participate in a children’s reading hour designed to promote literacy, imagination, and cultural pride. Young attendees can also enjoy bounce houses and other child-friendly activities, making the festival a welcoming and engaging space for families.

**Public Safety, Fire Trucks & Youth Engagement** 

The festival will include participation from the **Farmington Hills/Farmington Police and Safety Departments**, along with fire trucks and public safety displays. Children and families will have the chance to meet first responders, learn about safety, and take part in youth-centered activities, including a **bike giveaway for children**.

**Closing Spirit: A Community Call to Let America Be** 

As the three-day celebration concludes, the festival will carry forward the message at the heart of the theme: **“Let America Be!”** Rooted in Langston Hughes’ call for America to become fully true to its promise, the celebration invites the Farmington Area community to remember, reflect, rejoice, and recommit. Through dialogue, civic education, cultural celebration, and family-centered gathering, this Juneteenth observance reminds us that freedom is not only a historic achievement—it is a continuing responsibility shared by all.