Kalamazoo Juneteenth Celebration 2025

Kalamazoo, Mich. (APN) —  The Kalamazoo community came together like a family at the Burrell Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21st. 

Spring Lake Park was filled with food, family and fun. ReElla Burrell, the event's organizer, says Juneteenth is an important holiday and that it's crucial to truly give back to the community. 

“It’s going to take the village to build back what we had and what we just lost. A lot more so by doing this event totally free to every vendor and for all families and feed every family is a blessing to be able to do and it’s a need in this community,” Burrell said.  

Burrell's hard work paid off. Community members showed up and celebrated the history and advancement of being a Black American. 

Entrepreneurs were supported and uplifted with a free vendor space where people could buy delicious desserts, wood art, candles, and more plus stay connected with local organizations including the Kalamazoo chapter of the NAACP. 

“Making sure the vendors are all clear with their licenses. I also support them through that process," Burrell said.  

"Everybody is not aware of how all of that work so putting something together of this magnitude is pretty difficult. There’s also a car show up the hill here with over 50 cars,” said Burrell.  

Have you ever seen a chevy with the butterfly doors? If you haven’t then get like kalamazoo. The hot rods were on full display from unique paint jobs to souped up motors. Black excellence was rewarded with cash prizes. 

Show cars at the Kalamazoo Juneteenth Celebration and car show at Spring Valley Park, June 21, 2025.

“The top 10 report cards get $50 visa cards,” Burrell said.   

Families walked away feeling acknowledged, uplifted and loved.

“I did goodie bags, I got bamba socks too, a lot of black history information for them to do learning even on their own because we are not always taught," said Burrell.  

"I have bikes that I’m giving away free. To all the kids and all of the games they played, they won cash. That was the only way to get them off their phones, but it worked."

Juneteenth 2025 has wrapped up, but Burrell says she is looking forward to making a more positive impact in Kalamazoo, but she needs your help. 

“I'd like us all to work together I would appreciate even a little support. I haven’t been able to get one company to help me. I have one secret investor but that’s it," Burrell said.  

"I can’t get any support and to do all this to feed everybody and keep everybody with waters and to rent this park alone, the bouncy house andeverything is a lot so a little support would be nice."

"All right, and where can they support you?" Amanda Porter asked.

"At BurrellAFC.com," Burrell said.