Juneteenth celebration and storytelling with Mama Jatu

Join us on Zoom to learn about the history, purpose and meaning of Juneteenth on June 17, 2024. (The actual holiday is Wednesday, June 19).

Registration is requested. We will send you the link to this event after you register:
Reserve your spot here

What is this event?

How did Juneteenth begin? How is it celebrated? Learn the answer to these questions and more. Mama Jatu, a storyteller and educator at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, will bring history to life. She will inform us about Juneteenth, also called Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day and Emancipation Day.

Mama Jatu says, "I envision a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history inspire everyone toward greater understanding, acceptance and awareness."

Join Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College and Oakland Community College as we learn more about the significance of Juneteenth.

ASL interpreters will be provided for this event.

Mama Jatu’s creative statement:

I INSPIRE! As a storyteller, educator at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, I bring history to life. Telling soul stirring stories about the trials and tribulations of my ancestors.

I INSPIRE! By encouraging a willingness to initiate determination to create ambition, induce desire to achieve, succeed and excel.

I INSPIRE! My task is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture.

I envision a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history INSPIRE EVERYONE toward a greater UNDERSTANDING, ACCEPTANCE, and UNITY.

Background to this holiday

Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrating the end of enslavement on June 19 annually. Learn more about the history and legacy of this holiday here, with HFC presenters and here.

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging teams from HFC, MCC, and OCC have worked together to create this cross-cultural and inspiring 2024 event:

Tiffany Goliday
Executive Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access
Title IX Coordinator
Macomb Community College

Kristina M. Marshall, J.D.
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
Oakland Community College – District Office

Tracye Y. Davis
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Assistant Director, HR - Performance, Development, Engagement, Talent Acquisition, and HRIS
Henry Ford College

Image on this page courtesy Mama Jatu.