Ypsi Juneteenth celebration returns for sixth year

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

Ypsilanti’s annual Juneteenth Celebration will return for its sixth year this weekend, bringing three days of live entertainment, food, family activities, and community reflection to downtown. The free event, which has grown steadily since its inception, will take place June 19-21 in the University Bank parking lot at 301 W. Michigan Ave. in downtown Ypsi.

Event organizer and MC Gordon “Big” Dooley says the festival aims to engage attendees of all ages while honoring the holiday’s deeper meaning.

“You can expect to be entertained, fed, and enriched,” Dooley says. “We want to hit all of your senses, all your emotions, entertain and educate, and the good food to go with it is the icing on the cake.”

Dooley says the University Bank parking lot, which became the event’s home last year, allows more people to enjoy the festivities. He notes that residents of Towne Centre Place, across the street from the lot, joined in on the festivities last year.

“That touched my heart, seeing people clapping from their balconies and porches, seeing the happy faces, so many appreciative people of the effort,” he says.

Festival offerings include a growing Kids Corner with activities for younger attendees, live music throughout the weekend, dance lessons, vendors, and a food court featuring local favorites and diverse cuisines. Saturday’s entertainment lineup includes local and national performers spanning hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and poetry. Dooley says organizers have worked to create a consistent experience while expanding the event each year.

Presenting sponsors for this year’s event include the city of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, and University Bank. A full schedule of acts and times can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

“It’s all for the benefit of the community, remembering how far we’ve come as a community, educating everyone on how far we still have to go,” Dooley says. “It’s more important now than ever. This event will feed your spirit and your soul and your belly.”