This year’s Juneteenth festivities in Mount Clemens is only three hours long, but organizers say each hour will be packed with history, culture — and a little fun.

Thursday’s celebration at Cairns Community Center will be hosted by the Eta Lambda Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. — also known as the Mount Clemens Zetas — and the Friends of Mount Clemens Community. Organizers say the event promises an inspiring blend of history, culture, and community connection.

“Celebrating the freedom of slavery is not Black history—it’s American history,” said Malea Tipton, chapter president of Eta Lambda Zeta and vice president of the Macomb County NAACP. “Juneteenth calls all of us to reflect on the meaning of freedom and equality in this country.”

Though similar Juneteenth events will be held in Macomb County, the Mount Clemens one marks a summary of the collective spirit of a community that consistently needs extra love, extra support, and investment, according to the Zetas.

Titled “Honoring Freedom, Resilience, and Culture,” the celebration includes:

• A panel discussion featuring prominent Mount Clemens residents who have witnessed more than five decades of progress — and setbacks — in education, politics, and civil rights. Their stories will explore where the community has been and where it stands today

• Arts & crafts for children to express themselves creatively and learn about culture through hands-on activities

• Local vendors showcasing and selling their goods, with an intentional spotlight on Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs

• Music and games, creating space for laughter, movement, and celebration in the spirit of Black joy

• Praise dance performances that embody the resilience, strength, and spiritual power of the community.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It became a federal holiday in 2021. With about 1,500 residents, Mount Clemens is a racially diverse community that makes up the county seat. According to the 2020 Census, about 23% of the city’s residents are Black, the highest percentage among Macomb County communities.

The Juneteenth Celebration begins at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Cairns Community Center, 58 Orchard Street, Mount Clemens.