I Am Academy hosting 3rd annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival

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I AM Academy, the Lakeshore’s innovative mentorship and education partnership, is hosting its third-annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival and week of events in Holland, Michigan. From June 11-19, the eight-day lineup will showcase, celebrate and lift up Black voices who are leading West Michigan.

“Juneteenth represents the beginning of freedom. June 19, 1865 is considered the date when the last enslaved people in America were freed. While its roots are in Texas, Juneteenth has become a federal holiday and a day to celebrate freedom all over the United States,” says Henry Cherry, co-founder of I AM Academy.

This year’s theme is “I AM Genius.” The 2023 Juneteenth event schedule will focus on local black-owned businesses, artists, and speakers to foster and coach guests into discovering their inner genius. All funds raised will continue to help provide representation, mentorship, and opportunities for black youth in the West Michigan area.

The Juneteenth Freedom Festival event timeline is listed below.
June 11, 9 a.m.: 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
June 14, 9:30 a.m.: Kid’s Story Time at the Market, Holland Civic Center (150 W 8th St.)
June 15, 7 p.m. & June 16, 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.: Black Girl Fashion Show, Miller Knoll (375 W 48th St.)
June 16, 8 p.m.: Freedom Night Pre-Party, Tulip City Brewstillery (430 W 17th St Suite 27)
June 17, 2 p.m.-7 p.m.: Juneteenth Freedom Festival and Market, Kollen Park (240 Kollen Park Dr.)
June 19, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.: The First Juneteenth Play, Holland Community Theatre (50 W 9th St.)
June 19, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: History Talk with author Tracee Bruce, Holland Museum (31 W 10th St, Holland)

“Juneteenth shows the resilience and brilliance of black people in America amidst a system that is in need of reform. During this time, we choose to find joy in resistance and celebrate freedom together as a community,” says Cherry. “That begins with freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of spirit. It’s a time to gather as a community to honor and celebrate these freedoms while looking toward our future. That’s what we’re hoping to give to our West Michigan neighbors.”

For more information about Juneteenth activities and tickets, visit the I AM Academy website at https://iamacademymi.org/juneteenth.