Benicia Ciara, TMDN
This Juneteenth, the community once again showed up and showed out — with the annual Juneteenth Parade kicking off in Highland Park to commemorate freedom, heritage, and community pride.
The parade began at 11 a.m. at 14100 Woodward Ave and includes a full slate of vibrant activities, such as a one-of-a-kind car show, comedy performance, hair show, and more — all highlighting limitless creativity and joy within the Black community. And while the parade takes center stage, the celebration doesn’t end there.
Community leader Mama Shu, founder and CEO of Avalon Village, is back as Grand Marshal for the third year in a row. This year, she’s helping expand the celebration by hosting a Juneteenth Festival right at Avalon Village, just blocks down from the parade route.
“I’ve been Grand Marshal before, but this year we took our involvement further,” Mama Shu shared. “We’re now hosting the festival and welcoming African dignitaries to speak and share their global perspectives on what Juneteenth means to them.”
From 3 to 8 p.m., Avalon Village will transform into a destination filled with live music, vendor pop-ups, and free haircuts. But the real centerpiece is a panel discussion featuring the dignitaries, who will share their perspectives on Juneteenth and freedom across the diaspora. Specifically, Mandjoupe Victor Ahidedji, the mayor of Adjarrra, Benin, Gnawo Koukou Messan, the mayor of Togoville, Togo, & Edode Gnum, the mayor of Agbodrafo, Togo.
The idea came from community collaboration. When Mama Shu’s friend, Al Martin, expressed interest in starting a Juneteenth event, she suggested, “We don’t need to recreate the wheel — let’s expand it.” So, partnering with Juneteenth Detroit, founded by Demond Petty, that connection led to Avalon Village becoming a cultural anchor of the day’s festivities.
Avalon Village — once a one-blighted block turned beauty — is a shining example of what community restoration can look like. Mama Shu’s vision has become a living, breathing blueprint for healing and growth. Ultimately, a staple for the community for generations to come.
“Community events like Juneteenth bring hope and help Highland Park heal,” she said.
As metro Detroit prepares to celebrate Juneteenth at all its depth, this year’s parade and post-celebration at Avalon Village promises a day of reflection, unity, and elevation, rooted in culture, led by love, and powered by community.
Whether you’re marching, spectating, or stopping by the Village after, this year’s Juneteenth celebration reminds us all: freedom is still worth honoring, and community is still everything.
