City of Michigan City celebrates Juneteenth with music, culture and community at Washington Park

Residents and visitors from the Michigan City community and surrounding areas gathered around the Guy Foreman Amphitheater in Washington Park on Friday, June 19, for the annual Michigan City Juneteenth Celebration. This event was hosted by Michigan City Parks & Recreation and Michigan City Special Events.

The free community festival brought together families, local organizations, performers, and vendors for a day dedicated to honoring freedom, culture, and unity. Running from 12-8 p.m., the event featured live entertainment, community activities, and plenty of opportunities for people to connect with one another while reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth.

“This is our second year that the city is hosting this event. I think it’s important we’re celebrating our 190 years here as a city, and 250 years as a country,” said Angie Nelson Deuitch, Mayor of Michigan City. “The African American community in Michigan City has had a significant impact on things that have happened here, including myself, as the first African American mayor. I think it’s important that we celebrate all histories, not just one, but all,” said Mayor Deuitch.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees enjoyed performances from local artists and groups. Carnessa the Poetess and Don RedRah Thomas served as co-emcees of the event. Additional performances were provided by the Michigan City Mass Choir, Michigan City Soul Steppers, and J.U.M.P., showcasing a variety of musical and cultural talents from across the community.

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch also participated in the celebration through the Move with the Mayor program in partnership with Kickin’ it with Cookie. The activity encouraged community engagement and wellness while bringing residents together in a fun and interactive setting.

“Juneteenth is a day that all cultures and races can come together, not just African Americans, but all cultures can come and celebrate Juneteenth,” said Candice Adams, a member of the Entertainment Committee for Michigan City. “It’s important to acknowledge the history involving Juneteenth. To acknowledge that people were still enslaved two years after slavery was made illegal, so it is very important that the city acknowledges and celebrates Juneteenth just as well as any other holiday,” Said Adams.

In addition to live performances, guests explored an artisan market featuring creators from local communities. Families participated in a community art project, while children enjoyed activities in the Kids Zone. Giveaways and interactive experiences were also available throughout the event, providing entertainment for attendees of all ages.

“Celebrations like this allow families to come out, enjoy one another in a safe space, hear good music, eat good food, and in my case, exercise and walk. We know that a lot of the health disparities are in the African American community, so it’s important for me to highlight those things and make sure that people understand living a healthy lifestyle is just as important as gathering,” said Mayor Deuitch.

The City of Michigan City and the entire organizing team for this Juneteenth celebration view this event as both a commemoration of history and an opportunity to strengthen community connections. The event reflected Michigan City’s commitment to honoring cultural heritage while creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

“Our Special Events Department in Michigan City does a great job of throwing many different types of events throughout the year. Mayor Angie wanted to make sure that Juneteenth was a staple as part of the events that they give on a year to year basis,” said William Walker, Assistant Superintendent of Michigan City Parks and Recreation. “The consistency of making this a city event shows that the city puts on free activities that people can go to and enjoy at different times during the year. As well as making sure that entertainment is live and well in all different parts of the city, so everybody feels like they have something they can enjoy,” said Walker.

The power of music, art and shared experiences came to life at Washington Park. Michigan City is proud to create opportunities for their residents that are free, educational, and thrilling from start to finish.

For more information on the City of Michigan City, you can visit michigancityin.gov.