"Dear Colleagues and Residents,
As we observe Juneteenth this year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what this day truly means, not only to me as a Black woman, but to Black Americans across the country, and especially to those of us here in Lathrup Village.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. It’s a powerful reminder that freedom in America was not granted equally or swiftly. For many Black Americans, Juneteenth is not just a historical date; it’s a symbol of delayed justice, perseverance, and the ongoing struggle for equity.
It’s a day that deserves both recognition and reverence. It’s not just about celebration, it’s about acknowledgment. Acknowledging the pain, the resilience, and the contributions of Black people in this country, then and now.
At our meeting on Monday (June 16, 2025), a comment was made that we were “celebrating Juneteenth wrong.” The same comment also chastised us for not flying the Pride flag or doing more to visibly acknowledge Pride Month. Let me be clear, both of those criticisms miss the deeper point.
There is no singular way to honor Juneteenth, just as there is no singular way to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. These expressions of freedom, identity, and resilience are not one-size-fits-all. They are deeply personal, shaped by lived experiences, culture, and community.
Telling Black people they are celebrating their freedom “wrong” is as harmful as telling LGBTQIA+ people how their pride should be expressed. Allyship is not transactional or conditional; it is mutual, continuous, and rooted in empathy.
Allyship means showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable. It means understanding that one community’s liberation is bound to another’s. It means acknowledging that Juneteenth and Pride Month are both about justice, identity, and the ongoing journey toward equality.
Whether we choose to recognize Juneteenth through community events, reflection, prayer, or celebration, or Pride Month through education, flags, or simply creating space for belonging, each form is valid. Each one matters.
To my colleagues and residents, thank you to those of you who continue to show up, speak up, and support inclusive efforts in our community. Lathrup Village is at its best when we lead with understanding and honor the rich diversity that makes our city whole.
If you’re unsure how to observe Juneteenth or support Pride, start by listening. Learn. Attend a local event. Support marginalized voices. Reflect on what freedom means and who still has to fight for it every day.
Let’s be the kind of community that sees all people, hears all voices, and respects all journeys. That’s what real allyship looks like.
With purpose and respect,
Mayor Kelly"