Five years ago, a group of leaders at
I AM Academy stepped up to carry forward a growing community tradition. On Saturday, June 21, that tradition continues as the nonprofit hosts its fifth annual
Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Kollen Park from 2 to 7 p.m., celebrating cultural pride, youth empowerment, and unity.
While Juneteenth has been celebrated in Holland since 2000, the event gained new energy in recent years thanks to I AM Academy, a Holland organization that mentors and supports Black and multiracial youth in West Michigan. This year’s festival theme, “I AM Love,” invites the community to reflect on the transformative power of collective care and solidarity.
“This year’s theme, I AM Love, challenges us to reflect the kind of love that uplifts communities, breaks down barriers, and gives voice to the unheard,” says Lindsay Cherry, co-founder of I AM Academy. “It’s about honoring our history while actively building a future grounded in equity, representation, and joy.”
The festival commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved Black Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Although Michigan formally recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2005, Holland has held celebrations for 25 years, often recognizing founding families.
“This will be our fifth year of leading it,” says Henry Cherry, I AM Academy co-founder. “We usually recognize families like the Colemans, probably three or four families, who actually started Juneteenth here.”
Entertainment, food, games
This year’s festival will feature live entertainment from PJ Da DJ, student speakers, and more than 60 local vendors, including youth-run businesses and community organizations. Food trucks will serve cultural cuisine, and families can enjoy inflatables, face painting, games, and other free activities.
Cherry says the event’s growth reflects deep community engagement and a desire to create space for joy and representation.
“We’ve had a large number of small Black businesses,” he says. “I think we’re close to 70 vendors now, and I’d say probably 40 of those are some sort of Black business.”
He adds that expanding the kids’ area with mechanical rides is intended to make the event feel welcoming for families from all backgrounds.
“We wanted to make it a real family event, really inviting to the whole community to come out and experience something they might not get throughout the year,” he says.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the performances and festivities.
Other activities this week
The event is part of a weeklong celebration of Juneteenth hosted by I AM Academy, including:
- Reading Time at the Market – Wednesday, June 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Holland Farmers Market
- Youth Celebration & TED Talk Showcase – Thursday, June 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at I AM Academy
Proceeds from the festival support I AM Academy’s mentorship, academic support, and leadership programs for students.
Cherry says events like the Freedom Festival are important to community connection and identity-building.
“I hope people walk away feeling like there’s work to be done in our own town,” he says. “Celebrate the work that’s happening, but also maybe find ways they can support it, support what we’re doing, or what some of the other organizations we partner with are doing.”
Cherry says his favorite part of the day is simply walking through the park, seeing the joy and energy of the community.
“I typically walk around, go live on Facebook, and just show off the park, show the people hanging out and doing their thing, and highlight the businesses,” he says. “You’ve got music in the background, people dancing, and the smell of food in the air. Just seeing people out, enjoying themselves, that’s what I love.”
“This is more than a one-day event,” Lindsay Cherry adds. “It’s an opportunity to inspire change and build a stronger, more inclusive community.”