Oakland County announced the winners of its first Juneteenth Art and Essay Contest, recognizing student creativity and reflection on the theme, “Juneteenth: What does Freedom and Equality mean to me?”

The contest commemorates the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery in the United States.

Community leaders, residents and students joined together for a festival featuring live music, food trucks, speakers, games and the raising of the Juneteenth flag under the theme “Stronger Together: Celebrating Freedom and Community.”

“This celebration reflects Oakland County’s deep commitment to inclusion, belonging and a future where every resident is valued and welcome,” said Dave Coulter, Oakland County’s executive. “The insight and heart in these student essays and artworks are powerful and inspiring.”

The 2025 winners include:

Artwork

Grades K—3: Derek Flores — Blanche Sims Elementary School in Lake Orion.

Grades 4—7: Sangamitra Sivachandran Narmadha — Martell Elementary School in Troy.

Grades 8—12: Zuri Earth — Cass Technical High School in Detroit and Oakland County resident Post-Secondary Vocational: Taylor A. Buens — Jardon Vocational School in Ferndale.

Essays

Grades K—3: Shiv Lohia — Brookfield Academy in Troy, who compared fairness to cookie-sharing and equality to an egg experiment in school. He wrote, “If there is freedom and equality everywhere, there’ll be no more wars. Everyone will be happy and that’s the kind of world that will be beautiful and peaceful.”

Grades 4—7: Kairav Joshi — West Bloomfield Middle School, who highlighted the power of young voices in building a more inclusive and respectful society. “Freedom lets me be myself… Equality makes sure no one is left behind,” he wrote.

Grades 8—12: Ella Bunao — Athens High School in Troy, who explored the significance of Juneteenth and how freedom and equality must be actively pursued. She wrote, “Freedom means being able to live your life without fear, to speak your mind, and to make your own choices. Equality means that everyone, no matter their skin color, background, or beliefs, should be treated with the same respect and given the same opportunities.

Winners received a $150 gift card.