Celebrating Black history with the June Jubilee
60 years after the march on Washington, Michigan honors legacy, freedom
A participant in the Martin Luther King Day march sings with other marchers on South Main Street in this Jan. 20, 2020, file photo.
“Now is the time to make the real promises of democracy.
“Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.
“Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.”
These are words from the famous “I have a dream” speech delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. six decades ago.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer designated the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington as a celebration of freedom: the June Jubilee. These early days of summer, June 22-25, are considered by the state a commemoration of historical events that have shaped our country’s movements towards true freedom and equality.
On June 23, 1963, King and other Civil Rights leaders led more than 100,000 people in a peaceful march along Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Whitmer, in her statement, pointed to the demonstration and King's ideals as worthy of celebration in the same week the nation honored Juneteenth, the national holiday recognizing the official end of legalized slavery.
"There has been a lot of progress, but freedom is not a one-and-done thing."
Danny McQuarters, Central Michigan University assistant director of diversity education
“Today I am proud to proclaim June Jubilee in Michigan to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate the efforts of the Detroit branch of the NAACP,” Whitmer said in a statement released Thursday.
She added that we have made significant steps since King's proclamation in 1963.
“We have made meaningful progress … but we still have more to do,” Whitmer said. “Our mission is to keep striving and working together to deliver real change that makes a difference in people’s lives and build a just, equitable Michigan for all.”
The president of the Detroit branch of the NAACP, Wendell Anthony, echoed Whitmer’s sentiment in a press release from the Governor’s office.
“The June Jubilee serves as a reminder to the nation that the work of Dr. King is not yet complete,” Anthony said. “We must not leave him on the mountaintop dreaming, but bring him back down into the valley where we can be seen working."
Danny McQuarters is the assistant director of diversity education. He was part of CMU’s celebration of Juneteenth earlier this week. He agreed that we’ve come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made.
“There has been a lot of progress, but freedom is not a one-and-done thing,” McQuarters said.
He added that the effects of slavery can still be seen today, with disadvantages for Black citizens in areas like education and economics, as well as political isolation.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Shawna Patterson-Stephens also commented on the celebration’s relevance to CMU and the surrounding community.
“Though we occupy a state in the North, our realities do not go unburdened by the institution of slavery and systemic racism,” Stephens said. “Sixty years after Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. marched down Woodward Avenue, we continue to fight against inequality, poverty and injustice.
"I am heartened by Whitmer’s proclamation, and I’m hopeful signaling, such as this occasion, will build upon existing efforts to promote understanding and healing across our communities, including here at CMU."
