Your Week In Metro Detroit: Two celebrations on one special day
Good morning Free Press subscribers,
Welcome to the third Sunday in June, which means it’s Father’s Day. I’m sure that many of you will give extra attention to your fathers and father figures in your life today. And for those reading this newsletter who are fathers, I’m sure you are curious to know what gifts (cologne, a new toolbox, or yet another tie) and kind messages you will receive from those who love you.
On the other hand, some gifts won’t be purchased but are still given. Phoebe Wall Howard wrote a touching piece honoring her father who passed one year ago. Her piece deftly encourages anyone who has experienced the love of a father to ask themselves "what could I really give to someone who has already given me everything?"
There is also this question: what is fatherhood? Jasmin Barmore, a native Detroiter and self-proclaimed “daddy’s girl,” interviewed four Black fathers from diverse backgrounds to find the answer to that hard-hitting question. These fathers candidly share their struggles and triumphs, and offer advice to other dads.
This year, Father’s Day is shared with Juneteenth, the day that the last enslaved African Americans were freed in Texas on June 19th, 1865. Many events have been planned to honor this day. Juneteenth’s inception was over 150 years ago. But did you know that Miss Juneteenth is only 6 years old? Our weekly podcast "On the Line" introduces Rosie, a dashiki-wearing little girl who aims to educate others about the importance of Juneteenth. The episode also tackles the nuances of freedom and what it means.
Thank you for subscribing to the Free Press. Your subscription makes the work my colleagues and I do possible.
Take care,
Leah Olajide
Leah Olajide is the Newsletter Editor at the Detroit Free Press. She’s also a “daddy’s girl” and her dad, a retired photojournalist, gifted her with a reporter’s notebook at age 11. She hasn’t stopped writing since. You can reach Leah at Lolajide@freepress.com
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Two celebrations on one special day
