Honoring History, Uplifting Community
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and marks a crucial moment in American history. It is a day of reflection, education, and community. It is also a time to honor Black resilience and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equity.
At Neumann/Smith, we recognize that architecture and public space have the power to either include or exclude, to uplift or to divide. Our work is rooted in thoughtful design and collaboration with communities who are shaping their futures with pride, purpose, and resilience.
We’re proud to have the privilege of working on the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery at Ferris State University—an impactful project that uses the objects of oppression to teach tolerance and courageously confront the history of racism in America. The museum’s expansion reflects an ongoing commitment to difficult but necessary conversations, and we’re honored to help shape the spaces that support them.
Upcoming Juneteenth Events
As we reflect on Juneteenth, we also celebrate the vibrancy of our communities. Here are just a few of the events taking place at or near some of our project sites this week:
Thursday, June 19
- Northern Michigan University Juneteenth Festival / 12pm – 4pm
- Ferris State University Documentary + Discussion / 1pm
- Oak Park Juneteenth Celebration / 4 – 9 pm
- Royal Oak Farmers Market Juneteenth Celebration / 6pm
Friday, June 20
- MSU Federal Credit Union Juneteenth Celebration / 3–7 PM
Saturday, June 21
- Robert C. Valade Park Roots, Rhythm, and Flow / 10am – 4pm
These events are a powerful reminder that community, equity, and culture are essential parts of the places we help shape. We remain committed to building spaces that reflect the values of belonging and shared history—not just today, but every day.