Written by L. M. Land
Sloan/Longway Planetarium Event
The lawn at the Planetarium was full of activities for families, vendors and food trucks. The amazing sound of Christian rap music filled the air by Antione Minor and Darell Brown, along with incredible entertainment by the Eclipse band, Gwen Pennyman-Hemphill and Mama Sol. Children played in bounce houses and with lawn games. The event ended with a dance-off competition on stage, where all ages competed.
Hasselbrings Legacy & Literacy night
Hasselbring was filled to the brim with local authors, good food and fun for Juneteenth.
Jowanne Carrigan sang the Black national anthem to begin the event. DeWaun Robinson, chair of the Traditional Juneteenth Committee paid tribute to Dr. E. Hill Deloney and her introduction of Juneteenth to Flint 52 years ago. Mayor Sheldon Neeley and State Representative Cynthia Neeley also spoke.
Literacy was celebrated by the presence of the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library and local authors and illustrators such as Kenneth and Darcele Robinson’s Hasanat Illustrations, Antionetta William, Andre and mother Shani Womack, Dr. Darcell Cole-Robinson, Bhagya Rathnaweers, Tarnesa Martin, Dr. Latressa Gordon and Clint ‘from Flint’ Williams.
Juneteenth T-shirts were on sale as well.
Entertainment included a praise pantomime and line dancing.
The delicious food was made by Debra’s Catering.
Max Brandon Park, a Parade, Afrobeats Party and the grand finale, fireworks!
Again, attendance was high visiting the vendors, food trucks and bounce houses in Max Brandon Park on what was a very hot and muggy day. There were bounce houses for the children, live music to enjoy and more.
At the end of the park event, the parade participants lined up to begin the parade. They marched from Max Brandon Park, down M. L King Blvd., to downtown Flint.
A large photo of Dr. DeLoney sat in the front seat of a car in the beginning of the parade, reminding us all of her importance to Black culture in Flint.
After the parade, Riverbank Park was full of people enjoying the music. Mama Sol and Eclipse Band ended the Afrobeats music event just in time to find your spot to watch the fireworks.
It was a perfect way to end a truly fabulous Juneteenth celebration.
