The Burrell Juneteenth celebration doubles in size in Kalamazoo, MI for 2026

The Burrell Juneteenth celebration in Kalamazoo, MI doubled in size this 2026 bringing out hundreds of community members. The Freedom Day celebration united all walks of life while celebrating the history and triumphs of foundational Black Americans.

“It gives me a lot of joy to be able to give back to the community that gave to me. So, to be a Black woman and be able to do it for so many other black women in their children it makes me feel amazing,” says ReElla Burrell.

Burrell has hosted the Burrell Juneteenth celebration for years which she aims at educating and empowering the Black community, especially Black Youth.

The report card rewards are possibly the biggest attraction. Children and their families were lining up to show and prove their Black excellence.

“It shows that they care about those grades. And they are focused that there is also another reward there for that and sometimes as a child you need to see that and from there you grow,” Burrell says.

“It was not an easy feat. I had to sit there quite a while and go through all those report cards. But I am so happy that they all brought them,” says Burrell.

Dozens of vendors with businesses including food, clothing, and art were all accessible to the attendees including community resources. The vibes at the Burrell Juneteenth celebration were positive, uplifting, and celebratory encouraging the Black youth to continue being excellent amid adversity and to lean on your community and faith.

“I got a fraternity and a sorority so I’m trying to show some Black excellence where they can grow up and be so much more than they ever thought of,” Burrell says.

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