SaginawJuneteenthCelebration.com

Carlean Gill

2024

“Empowering Minds, Embracing Freedom & Education.”

Saginaw Juneteenth Celebration Inc. is passionate

about celebrating African American history,

culture, and community. To appropriately acknowledge

a time in our history that has helped shape our nation and is

still impacting our society today, we must all deepen

our connections, take steps to bring about

long-lasting change and involve individuals from

all races, nations, and religions.

WE STAND ON YOUR SHOULDERS

The observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans

– from a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement to the pinnacle of human endeavors.

It is a story of pride, resilience, and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual importance

– as it serves us well to understand that together, we can overcome all obstacles in our path.

As we know it, June 19th, 1865, was the day word reached the enslaved in Galveston, Texas

that their emancipation had been made formal, though it had been so since January 1, 1863.

In that transformative moment, our nation, and the world itself changed.

And, with bold and often contentious decisions, we have continued to change

– striving always to make it right, to make it better for all.

What Is Juneteenth?

Sharing the Historical Significance of Juneteenth

Understanding the rich historical background of Juneteenth and acknowledging the ongoing efforts to understand it as a National holiday is crucial. It presents a chance to commemorate our nation's second Independence Day and contemplate our interconnected past and future.

Juneteenth traces back to June 1865. Despite President Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the Confederate surrendering to the Union in April 1865, enslaved individuals in Texas - the westernmost Confederate state - were not granted their freedom until June 19, 1865. On that day, Union General Gordon Granger, accompanied by around 2,000 Union troops, including many Black soldiers, arrived in Galveston Bay. They proclaimed that over 250,000 enslaved Black individuals in the state were now free by presidential order. This momentous occasion became known as "Juneteenth," a blend of "June" and "Nineteenth."

Who We Are

COSBE Inc. / Saginaw Juneteenth Celebration Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Saginaw, Michigan, committed to celebrating Juneteenth (short for "June Nineteenth"). Juneteenth is a historic and significant event in our nation's history that became a National Holiday on June 17th, 2021, which is the same year our president and founder, Renee Hawkins Morris, felt inspired to create the organization. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure all enslaved people were freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Bob Johnson

Cassandra Garrett Hicks

Kareem Bowen Tracy Floyd

Kisha Smith Rose Davis

Gregory Price Mary E. Jackson

Jessica Patman Christian Garrett

Board of Directors

Renee Hawkins - Morris

President

Carl Williams

Valarie Woods

Advisory Board

Latrina Howell

Executive Vice President

Linda Burks Jackson

Vice President

www.cosbeinc.com

"Juneteenth is a celebration for us all ."

What We Do

Sharing the Juneteenth Story

We have been an esteemed resource on Juneteenth culture and history for three years. We aim to create a unified collaboration with the city of Saginaw, the State of Michigan, and other organizations and companies. In addition to celebrating African American freedom, Juneteenth strongly emphasizes the value of education, our accomplishments, financial literacy, self-improvement, and the importance of long-term planning.

Engaging the Community

We promote Juneteenth's history, culture, and heritage in various activities, including the Miss Juneteenth Pageant, Juneteenth Freedom Parade, Celebration Festival, and a 3on3 Youth Basketball tournament - and we plan to keep growing!

2024 Juneteenth Honoree

& Grand Marshal

“I believe that education is one of the

great equalizers in life. At SVSU,

we are committed to opening doors and

creating opportunities that empower people

to see their potential and be liberated

and equipped to pursue

their dreams.”

Dr. George Grant Jr

SVSU President

George Grant Jr. was appointed to serve as the fifth president of Saginaw Valley State University on January 1, 2023.

Dr. Grant previously served as chancellor of Pennsylvania State University-Berks. Before that, he spent 24 years at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, including 12 years as dean of the College of Community and Public Service.

President Grant studied at Wayne County Community College before completing a bachelor’s degree in social work at Marygrove College in Detroit. He later completed a master’s degree in social work at Grand Valley State University and a Ph.D. in sociology at Western Michigan University. President Grant also earned a certificate from the Harvard Institute in Educational Management.

Before serving in higher education, he worked and was in administration in the child welfare system. He provided training, research, workshops, and private practice therapy and co-authored 12 books.