Friday, June 19

Juneteenth at Ralph Wilson Park: Stories of Us

Celebrate Juneteenth along the Detroit riverfront with an afternoon of music, storytelling, art and community reflection. The free event explores Detroit’s history, culture and resilience through African drumming and dance, poetry, spoken word performances and conversations with local artists and community members.

Attendees can also browse the Michigan Black Business Alliance Vendor Market, enjoy arts and crafts activities, take guided tours of the Stories of Us exhibit and purchase food and beverages from local vendors.

Ralph Wilson Park, Detroit
Friday, June 19
Free

www.detroitriverfront.org/events/calendar/2026/06/19/juneteenth-at-wilson

Midtown Detroit Juneteenth Parade & Celebration

Celebrate Juneteenth at Detroit’s original Juneteenth Parade & Celebration, now in its fourth year. The community event features a parade and festivities honoring Black history, culture and freedom in the heart of Midtown.

Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2080 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
Friday, June 19 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free

tmbcdetroit.org/uncategorized/juneteenth-celebration-2

Juneteenth @ The Wright

Celebrate Juneteenth with a day of history, culture and community at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The annual event features family-friendly activities, educational programs, live performances and interactive experiences that honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrate the contributions of Black communities.

Highlights include crafts and games, a community quilting workshop, book giveaways, film screenings, cooking demonstrations, cultural presentations and a closing concert by Mollywop! Visitors can also take part in discussions focused on history, health, food and freedom.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
Friday, June 19 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free-$15

www.thewright.org/events/juneteenth-the-wright-2026/

DABO’s Juneteenth Palooza Parade & Concert

Join Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO) for a Juneteenth celebration featuring a community parade, live music and family-friendly activities. The event includes performances by local artists, including Big Chuck and InspiHER, along with free food, giveaways and youth-focused activities.

Parade begins at Livernois and Grand River and ends at Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield Bridge Center Library, 9928 Grand River Ave., Detroit
Friday, June 19 | Starting at 10 a.m.
Free

events.eventnoire.com/e/juneteenth-palooza-parade

Juneteenth Market & Cottage Food Tasting Fair

Support local entrepreneurs and sample a variety of homemade foods at the Juneteenth Market & Cottage Food Tasting Fair. Hosted by the Brightmoor Artisans Collective, the event showcases Black-owned businesses, local food makers and community vendors in a family-friendly outdoor market setting.

Brightmoor Artisans Collective, 22735 Fenkell Ave., Detroit
Friday, June 19 | 3 p.m.
Free

www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-market-cottage-food-tasting-fair-tickets-1988438207205

4th Annual Juneteenth Music Festival Detroit

Celebrate Juneteenth with an evening of live music, comedy, food and community at the 4th Annual Juneteenth Music Festival Detroit. The outdoor event commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Texas more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

The festival features performances by G-Note-7, The James Shelton Band, comedian Josh Adams, JD Green, Quest Mcody, Galaxy the Poet and other local artists. Food is included with admission.

Boston-Edison Historic District
Friday, June 19 | 5-11 p.m.
$35

www.facebook.com/share/1UXqTcNbzd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Saturday, June 20

8th Annual Juneteenth Family Reunion

Celebrate Juneteenth at this annual community gathering in Oakland County. The family-friendly event features live music, dancing, food, networking opportunities and activities for children, all designed to create the feel of a traditional family reunion while honoring Black culture and community.

Goldengate Park, 18890 Rainbow Drive, Lathrup Village
Saturday, June 20 | Noon
Free

www.juneteenthfamreunion.org/schedule

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Producer – Current Affairs (WDET) at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

The Producer, Current Affairs coordinates live, interactive, and original daily programming. Provides direct support of the program hosts, as well as daily content production, including breaking news, multi-platform, and special broadcasts. The Producer under the supervision of the Senior Producer, works with program hosts and other production staff to develop program topics; undertakes subject research and books guests, conducts pre-interviews to support hosts; conducts and records interviews with guests as required; assists live show production as required; coordinates with technical and digital production team to post-produce and publish content. This position may also require supporting program and hosts in an on-mic, broadcast capacity. Occasional WDET events attendance may be required, sometimes including limited travel. Reports to Senior Producer, WDET.

Content development:

– Research and develop compelling and relevant story ideas for radio broadcasts, ensuring alignment with the station’s editorial guidelines.

– Collaborate with the editorial team to brainstorm, pitch, and refine story concepts that resonate with the target audience.

Scriptwriting and editing:

– Write engaging and informative scripts for radio segments, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to the station’s editorial standards.

– Edit and proofread scripts to maintain high-quality content, while also incorporating feedback from team members and stakeholders.

Interview coordination:

– Identify and reach out to potential guests for interviews, conducting pre-interview research to prepare hosts for insightful and thought-provoking conversations.

– Coordinate interview logistics, including scheduling, preparing interviewees, and ensuring a smooth on-air experience.

Show production:

– Oversee the production process, from initial concept to final broadcast, ensuring seamless execution of radio programs.

– Work closely with hosts, sound engineers, and other production team members to create polished and engaging shows.

Collaboration:

– Collaborate with other departments, such as marketing and social media, to promote radio shows and engage with the audience.

– Participate in editorial meetings, contributing ideas and insights to shape the overall content strategy of the station.

Research and fact-checking:

– Conduct thorough research to gather accurate and up-to-date information for use in radio segments.

– Perform fact-checking to verify the authenticity of information and maintain the station’s commitment to journalistic integrity.

Quality assurance:

– Ensure the highest standards of audio quality, storytelling, and journalism in all produced content.

– Implement and adhere to the station’s editorial policies and guidelines, maintaining consistency and credibility in the programming.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Post-Secondary degree or diploma in Journalism, Media, Communications, or other related fields preferred.
Experience Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

Demonstrated experience producing public media programming, preferably with direct experience in radio broadcasting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to prioritizes work activities and adapt to rapidly changing conditions; complete tasks correctly; plan for discussion/coverage of pre-planned major news events within the show; possess solid news judgement, demonstrated knowledge of NPR code of ethics for journalism.

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with multiple WDET teams. Must have ability to work in a live program environment and remain poised under pressure.
Demonstrated capacity for multi-tasking, flexibility in face of changing priorities, and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

Demonstrated knowledge of current events, thought leaders, and issues of importance to Metro Detroiters.

Demonstrated knowledge of multiple media production (radio, web), editorial standards/management, and journalism practices. Ability to utilize social and digital media to engage audiences.

Understanding of objectives and mission of assigned program duties. Monitors own work to ensure quality. Performs work with concentration, focus and accuracy. Works effectively and completes quality work in a timely manner to meet deadlines.

Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in editorial and journalistic practices, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing implicit bias.

Additional information:

School/College/Division:
H72 – WDET

Primary department:
H8703 – WDET (H8703)

Employment type:
Regular Employee
Job type: Full Time
Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
Compensation type: Annual Salary

Hourly rate:
Salary minimum: $51,274.00
Salary hire maximum: $61,531.00
Working conditions:
Normal office environment and some limited travel.

Job openings:
Number of openings: 2
Reposted position: No
Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET is bringing the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference directly to you.

Each year, the Mackinac Policy Conference gathers influential politicians, industry leaders, and changemakers to shape Michigan’s future. This week, WDET will be broadcasting special coverage from Mackinac Island—featuring interviews, news stories, and insights that connect you to the ideas and agendas shaping metro Detroit and beyond.

Special coverage begins with All Things Considered starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, and runs through Thursday, May 28.

WDET live at MPC

Tuesday

4-6 p.m.

All Things Considered Detroit Live at MPC
Host: Russ McNamara

Wednesday

9-10 a.m.
Morning Edition-Detroit live at MPC
Host: Jerome Vaughn
10 a.m. – noon
The Metro live at MPC
Host: Robyn Vincent
4 – 6 p.m.
All Things Considered-Detroit live at MPC
Host: Russ McNamara

Thursday

9-10 a.m.
Morning Edition-Detroit live at MPC
Host: Jerome Vaughn
10 a.m. – noon
The Metro live at MPC
Host: Robyn Vincent
4 – 6 p.m.
All Things Considered-Detroit live at MPC
Host: Russ McNamara

Watch the MPC main stream

More from MPC 2026

WDET’s Mackincac Policy Conference coverage made possible in part by:

In a letter to Michigan residents, Former Detroit Mayor has called it quits in his independent run for Governor.

Dear Friends,

I am so disappointed to have to write you this letter.

For the last 18 months I’ve worked every day to try to change Michigan’s toxic party politics. I’ve been supported by hundreds of volunteers who believe deeply that years of constant Democratic-Republican conflict in Lansing have led to our schools declining, our housing costs rising, and our young people moving out of Michigan in record numbers.

We knew the Independent route was filled with challenge. Even against those odds, the excitement for real change carried this campaign upward for more than a year. In every one of the 5-10 town halls a week I was holding across Michigan, we hosted Democrat, Republican, and Independent neighbors all mixed together in lively and positive discussions. It was a remarkable experience.

But by April, the mood of the country had shifted suddenly and dramatically. Democrats (and many Independents) were unified in anger as Trump’s war in Iran dragged on and gas prices rose above $5 a gallon. On May 5, the Democratic State Senate candidate in Saginaw won 60% of the vote in a seat Republicans thought would be very competitive.

Against the Democratic headwinds, we worked twice as hard. We continued to pile up huge numbers of union endorsements, once the unions learned that Michigan election law allowed voters to vote both straight ticket Democrat and also vote Duggan as an Independent.

But for the public in general, our internal polling showed the intense anger over gas prices and Iran was boosting Democrats in every office nationally. The Chamber poll last week showing we’d fallen 11 points behind the Democratic candidate reflects that reality.

Being down 11 points in May wouldn’t discourage me – I’ve been down worse than that in the past. But this time it’s compounded by our inability to build serious national fundraising support. Michigan donors have been extraordinarily generous in supporting this campaign – 94% of my donors come from Michigan. We raised more instate than any other candidate.

But Governor’s campaigns are today funded overwhelmingly from well-established networks of national party money, which is why I’ve been all across America meeting with national groups to try to build a competitive fundraising network for Independents. There is much interest, but we’ve finally concluded the national fundraising for these groups is too much in its infancy to be of great help to our race in 2026. As generous as our Michigan donors have been, we will be strongly outspent by the national Republican and Democratic parties this fall.

If we were even in the polls and behind in fundraising, we have a path to winning. If we were behind in the polls and even in fundraising, we have a path. But we’re behind in both. It’s just not right to ask our volunteers, faith leaders, unions, elected officials and donors to continue in a campaign that, in my heart, I no longer feel good about our chances to win.

I got into this race to try to change our politics, not to be a spoiler. I’m still hopeful our campaign will prove to have a real long-term impact. 23% support in the last poll means more than 1.6 million Michigan voters are today looking for a Governor candidate serious about reducing the toxic partisan politics. If the candidates on the ballot this year take that message to heart and truly reach out to those voters, we will have accomplished something important.

I will never be able to express the gratitude I feel for all your support and encouragement. I wish I could have done better for you.

Mike

Reactions from around Michigan

Michigan Democratic Party Statement

LANSING — In response to Mike Duggan suspending his campaign for governor, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel released the following statement:

“We’re grateful to Mayor Mike Duggan for his service to the city of Detroit and our entire state. While we’ve had disagreements, the Mayor brought crucial ideas to this race and we appreciate his commitment to bringing people together.

“As we look ahead, we welcome Mayor Duggan’s supporters into our growing coalition as we work to elect a Democratic governor this November who will continue to move Michigan forward.”

Jocelyn Benson

“I want to thank Mayor Mike Duggan for what he brought to this race and for his years of service to Detroit. At a time when politics can feel divided and cynical, we need more civility, more listening, and more people willing to work together to move our state forward. I welcome Mayor Duggan’s ideas, his supporters, and everyone who believes Michigan’s future is bigger than division — and that it can be a place where anyone can afford to live, work, and thrive. We may not always agree on everything, but we share a commitment to building a stronger Michigan. And that work continues in this campaign.”

Celebrated producer, musician and WDET host Don Was is being honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters by Wayne State University in recognition of his profound contributions to Detroit’s sound and art as a whole.

Was has earned six Grammys for producing and musicianship. He’s also been recognized for his work as a filmmaker, composer and more with a British Academy Award, Emmy and other honors. Was has lead the jazz label Blue Notes Records as company president since 2011.

With his many international accomplishments, Was keeps Detroit front and center, invigorating the cultural scene with his yearly performances at the Concert of Colors and his work with the talented Pan-Detroit Ensemble.

WDET is grateful to have him behind the mic every Friday night on The Don Was Motor City Playlist alongside Ann Delisi, where he shares insights, stories about the city’s music scene and expertly selected songs with a rapt audience. The show recently celebrated five years on air.

The honorary degree from the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University further highlights his extraordinary accomplishments in the arts and his lifelong commitment to Detroit. Join us in congratulating Don Was on this well-deserved honor.

Hear from Don himself, talking about his career and insights about the arts today on The Metro.