LANSING, MI – “Beyond Emancipation – Towards Empowerment” is the theme of the 11th Annual Capital City Juneteenth celebration slated to be a 3-day event.
The local celebration is sponsored by the Lansing Juneteenth Committee and Mask Memorial CME Church, where the Rev. A. Richard Doss is pastor.

On Thursday, June 17, 2004 the opening ceremony will be held at the State Capitol Building East Steps Platform 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m./ The Opening Recognition ceremony is co-hosted by State Senatgor Virgil Bernero and State Representative Michael C. Murphy.

On Friday, June 18, 2004 special events are planned to be held at Benjamin Davis Park, Lansing – 3:00 p.m. to dusk. An Old Negro League Baseball Game will be played, guest local s0ports announcers will be calling the entertainment includes the Powerlight Band featuring the sound of Motown.

On Saturday, June 19, 2004 the fun continues at the park from 11:00 a.m. until dusk. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Carlyle Fielding Stewart III Pastor. Hope United Methodist Church Southfield Michigan. The featured musical act is TOO SMOOTH FOR NOTES. Other performances are slated for the Main Stage. In addition, children’s events are planned.

Soul Food vendors will be selling plenty of Catfish, Chicken, & Ribs. The food tent will feature a B-BQue rib cook off. Merchant vendors feature art, jewelry and unique gifts for all occasions. Also a Juneteenth Storybook Unveiling with / Artist is sponsored by the Lansing Juneteenth committee.

Juneteenth Chairperson Debra Plummer said, “It’s learning from our past that allow us to project forward into our future.”

For more information call (517) 394-6900 or via the Internet at:
http://www.cme-church.org/US/MI/Lansing/Mask_Memorial/.