On Saturday, June 16th, 2018 Baker College participated in Jackson's annual Juneteenth celebration. The celebration commemorates the June 19th, 1865 emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the southern states. This was the second year Baker College joined with Jackson College, Spring Arbor University and Consumer’s Energy with sponsorship and planning of this event. In addition to food, music and various children’s activities, presidents of all three Jackson area colleges addressed the crowd. Dr. Steve Simpson stood with Baker College Jackson OneStop advisor Lezlie Bowles as he spoke of Baker College’s commitment to the community and work supporting the efforts for increasing diversity and inclusion throughout Jackson.

"The Juneteenth celebration is a wonderful event that demonstrates the desire of the people of Jackson to be a welcoming, inclusive community. Baker College of Jackson is honored to be a part of this," said Marie Bonkowski, Director of Students Affairs.

In addition to some great music, the event offered a helpful community resource fair combining a job fair, health fair and education fair.

Students and staff volunteered at the Baker College table and distributed pins, pennants, stickers, and other goodies. The bubbles and caramel apple suckers giveaways were a big hit with the children that attended.