June 19, 1986 marks the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved southern African Americans in the Confederacy. Earlier this week, President Joe Biden made a huge move by signing into legislation a bill that has now established Juneteenth as a national holiday. As the majority of Americans accepted this decision with open arms, there were and still are many that were not so enthusiastic about it. Many state governors have been slow to approve Juneteenth as a statewide paid holiday, however, Illinois was included in one of a handful of states that have followed suit with the Federal government and issued Juneteenth as an official paid state holiday for employees. This is a major step towards acknowledging the hardships that the ancestors of our people of color have endured and the systematic racism that still exists in our communities. Our question to you all is, how will you celebrate today?? What ever you do, make sure you spend it with your family and elders. Talk to your grandparents and great grandparents and listen to their stories of segregation and racism and understand why this day is so important us all. We have compiled a list of celebrations taking place this weekend to celebrate Juneteenth. Feel free to browse!
Below is a list of a few Chicagoland celebrations that will be taking place today !!
* Juneteenth West Fest
The three-day Juneteenth "Freedom Day" West Fest will come to Columbus Park, located at 500 S. Central Ave., from Friday to Sunday. The event will include entertainment, vendors and games, organizers said. Friday will be dedicated to a Youth Rally, while Saturday is Family and Women's Health Day and Sunday is Fathers and their Families Day.
* Governor's State University Juneteenth Celebration
In Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, situated in University Park, Governor's State University will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The outdoor celebration at
1 University Dr. will feature sculptures that reflect African American legacies, organizers said, as well as musical performances and poetry.
* Juneteenth Horse Race at Hawthorne Racetrack
Hawthorne Racetrack in suburban Stickney is paying tribute to Juneteenth this year by holding a special horse race involving the tracks' Black horsemen, officials said.
* A Mind IS Gala
A Mind Is Gala from UNCF will hold its 21st anniversary fundraiser on Saturday at 6 p.m. with NBC 5's Stefan Holt, who will speak on the significance of the holiday.
Tickets for the virtual weekend event, featuring special guest actor Samuel L. Jackson, cost $250 per person. Register here.
* Juneteenth Illinois Speakers, March For Us
Following the March For Us Saturday from 701 S. State St. to 50 W. Washington St., Juneteenth Illinois has been hosting speakers throughout the week on topics such as culture, justice, education, health and economics. The speakers and events Thursday and Friday will be hosted in-person at Chicago's Malcom X College, located at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
* 1865 Fest In Garfield Park
The 1865 Fest to celebrate Juneteenth will take place Saturday and Sunday in Garfield Park. The festival will include live music, dance competitions and family activities, according to organizers.
* DuSable Museum Juneteenth Reopening
The DuSable Museum of African American History is reopening with a Juneteenth celebration Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. free of charge to visitors. The museum encouraged people to RSVP for the event here.
*Beverly/Morgan Park Juneteenth Family Festival
For the first time ever, Chicago's Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods will hold a Juneteenth celebration at 110th Street and Longwood on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The event will also be a Black business crawl, complete with storytelling, drumming circles, African art and food, among other activities.
*Juneteenth BBQ & Bike Ride
Streets Calling Bike Club will host its annual Juneteenth bike ride Saturday at noon in Ellis Park, located at 3520 S Cottage Grove. Bikers are asked to arrive between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to prepare for the 10-to-15 mile ride.
The ride will circle back to end at Mandrake Park to enjoy music, food and games, according to a social media post.
* Juneteenth: The Celebration What: M.A.D.D. Rhythms returns with the arts partners of the Harold Washington Cultural Center and Bronzeville businesses for its annual Juneteenth celebration. There will be dancing, DJs and live music, free food, workshops, raffles, art and children’s activities. Where: Harold Washington Cultural Center, 2701 S. Martin Luther King Drive. When: 1 p.m. Saturday
* 21st Ward Freedom Mobile Parade and Event
What: There will be a car parade starting at Burlington Coat Factory near the Red Line stop at 87th and the Dan Ryan. The parade will end at the community garden at 89th and Loomis, where there will be a garden party with food, performances, an arts and crafts workshop and a keynote from Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore.
Where: Parade line-up at Burlington Coat Factory near 87th and the Dan Ryan. It ends at the community garden at 8925 S. Loomis Ave.
When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday
* Chi-Village Festival 2021 What: Starinah “Star” Dixon of M.A.D.D. Rhythms performs at Chi-Village Festival 2021. There will be live music and DJs, fireworks, kid’s activities and more. Tickets are available online and cost $1 for kids 3-12 and $5 for people 13 and older. Where: 7810-12 S. Indiana Ave. When: 11 a.m. Saturday
* Juneteenth in the 9th: First Pullman and Roseland Juneteenth Celebration
What: Organized by Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, this first-time Juneteenth celebration features events Saturday in and around Pullman and Roseland. Shuttles will be available at each of the event sites 1-6 p.m., leaving every 10 minutes.
• One Eleven Food Hall (1-6 p.m. at 756 E. 111th St.) will have food and beverages from AndySunflower Cafe, Lexington Betty Smokehouse and Culver’s Frozen Custard. This location will also have arcade games 4-6 p.m., a photo booth 2-5 p.m. and a live DJ 4-6 p.m.
• National A. Phillip Porter Museum (2-9 p.m. at 10406 S. Maryland Ave.) is having guest speakers at 4:30 p.m., a sound stage showcase 6-8 p.m. and house music finale 8-9 p.m.
• Block House gallery (2-5 p.m. at 11137 S. Langley Ave.) will host the “Time Is Now” gallery exhibition with local artists, plus a book-and-play pack giveaway and a performance from the Chicago Storm Cheer and Tumbling Team.
• Rose Cafe (10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 10701 S. King Drive) will have spoken-word performances and books featuring Black voices plus a food truck 12:30-1 p.m.
• The March for Peace starts 11 a.m. at 107th and King Drive. Participants will head to 111th and King Drive, then to 111th S. Michigan Ave. The march then goes to 107th S. Michigan Ave., then from there to Rose Cafe, 10701 S. King Drive.
When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday
* Woodlawn Botanical Nature Center Juneteenth Event What: There will be historical performances, storytelling, music and a discussion about diet and agriculture dating back to slavery. Where: Next to Hyde Park Academy, 6300 S. Harper Ave. When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday
* South Side YMCA Annual Juneteenth Community Barbecue What: People are encouraged to bring their own grills, food, drinks and coolers to take part in the cookout. Local DJ Twelve Gage will play music, and community members can tour the South Side YMCA. There also will be a Juneteenth T-shirt fundraiser with proceeds going to the South Side YMCA. Where: 6330 S. Stoney Island Ave. When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday
* Roll N Peace 7: A Juneteenth Celebration What: People can take part in a bike tour starting at Ogden Park. This gathering aims to promote peace and safety. Those wanting more information are encouraged to text “ROLLNPEACE” to 474747. Where: Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave. When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday
* Sisters in Cinema “Sister Outsider” Juneteenth Walk What: There will be a walking tour through the former commercial thoroughfare of South Shore’s 75th Street. Attendees will be among the first to tour the Media Arts Center set to open in the fall. Following the walk and tour, the Juneteenth Day event will continue at Rosenblum Park, where there will be Afro-Beats-inspired Zumba music and a double Dutch competition. Where: Rosenblum Park, 7547 S. Euclid Ave. When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday
* Agape Black Art Walk and Business Alignment Event What: Agape Creative Boutique and Agape Collective will host a Black Art Walk and pop-up event at Momentum Coffee Chicago with businesses, community organizations and two dozen vendors. Those interested are encouraged to register online. Where: Momentum Coffee Chicago, 2119 S. State St. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m Saturday
* Lake Park Fired Up Juneteenth Event What: Organizers ask attendees to bring lawn chairs and wear masks so social distancing can be maintained. Preordering is available and recommended for those looking to order from food vendor Soul and Smoke, a Black-owned barbecue restaurant. Where: 4541 S. Lake Park Ave. When: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
* The Lemonade Land Juneteenth Pop-Up Market What: Several Black-owned businesses from the South Side will be there. The Lemonade Land is a pop-up market aimed at facilitating economic growth in South Shore. Where: 6700 S. Dorchester Ave. When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday
* Community Dayz Juneteenth Event What: Sponsored by the Golden Gate Homeowners Association, this event will include a cleanup of Golden Gate Park’s front entrance and playground area. There will also be a meet-and-greet and COVID-19 vaccinations. Tools, trash bags, gloves, water and snacks will be provided for people interested in volunteering to clean the park. Attendees can test ride a Divvy bike and Bird e-scooter. Where: Golden Gate Park at 130th and Eberhart in Riverdale When: 9 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday
* We Do This ‘Til We Free Us: A #DefundCPD Juneteenth Block Party What: Organizers will hold resistance training for Black and Latino people from the neighborhood. There also will be art, music, dancing and food. Attendees can learn how to get involved with the #DefundCPD movement. Those looking for resistance training should register in advance. Where: The Breathing Room Space at 51st and Loomis When: 1-7 p.m. Saturday, resistance training 2:30-4:30 p.m
* Central South Shore Area Council “Literacy: The Path to Freedom” Juneteenth Event What: In this interactive event, the Central South Shore Area Council invites the community to engage with information about media, civics, financial wellness and entrepreneurial literacy. The free event will have activities, art, food, information and prizes. Where: South Shore Hospital’s parking lot at 79th and Crandon When: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday
* A Just Harvest Juneteenth Celebration What: Attendees can paint a Black Lives Matter mural on the street and enjoy live music and food. The event is organized by A Just Harvest, an organization that works to fight poverty and hunger in Rogers Park and across the city. Where: Paulina Street, between Howard Street and Jonquil Terrace in Rogers Park When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
* Juneteenth Observance What: City Clerk Anna Valencia will host while city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin will lead a prayer. There will be music and more. More information is available online. Where: Park Community Church, 1001 N. Crosby St. When: 9:30-11 a.m.
* Juneteenth Celebration Popup Shop What: There will be food, beverages and giveaways. Black-owned vendors will sell clothes, accessories, hair, deluxe popcorn and baskets. The event is free but parking will cost $5. You can register in advance. Where: Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC, 625 S. Ashland Ave. When: 2-7 p.m. Saturday
* Juneteenth West Fest 2021: Juneteenth Freedom Day What: In this three-day festival organized by the Westside Arts Council, people can enjoy a variety of exhibits, games and entertainment. Friday, a youth rally will be held. When: Noon-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday Where: Columbus Park at 500 S. Central Ave.
* Juneteenth Westside Arts Festival What: This festival is organized by the Front Porch Arts Center. Events include West Classic: Storytelling and Music with Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra members and Bethel Residents 5-6 p.m. Thursday at Bethel New Life Chapel, 1140 N. Lamon Ave. There will be limited seating. People can attend Teen Writer’s Reading with Tina Jenkins Bell at Bethel New Life Chapel 6-7 p.m. Thursday. On Friday, there will be a drive-by mural viewing at Kedzie and Harrison with The Triibe. Also, from 4-6 p.m. Friday, a community drum circle will be held by Old Town School of Folk Music, followed by an ice cream social featuring Ida’s Artisanal Ice Cream at New Horizon Garden, 425 S. Central Park Ave. Where: Various locations (see above) When: Thursday-Friday
* Juneteenth Wellness Walk What: There will be a youth wellness walk and track practice to celebrate Juneteenth. Where: Sports track at John Marshall Metropolitan High School, 3250 W. Adams St. When: 9 a.m. Saturday
* UCAN’s Juneteenth and Father’s Day Celebration What: There will be performances by Muntu Dance Theatre African dance, Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec dance and Tsukasa Taiko Japanese drumming. The free event also will include three-point basketball shooting contests and a West Side vs. South Side high school all-star game beginning at 2 p.m. Where: 3605 W. Fillmore St. When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
* Garfield Park Juneteenth en Blanc What: All white attire will be required. There will be a stepping contest with a $500 prize. Dinner begins 4:15 p.m. and must be brought by the attendee. Tickets are required and cost $50 each. Where: 100 N. Central Park Ave. When: 3-10 p.m. Saturday
* Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – Ring the Alarm: Exploring the Impact of Racism on Mental Health Live Panel Discussion What: Art Norman of NBC5 will moderate a panel discussion on the impact of racism on mental health in the Black community. It will be livestreamed on YouTube. Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. When: 1-3 p.m. Thursday
* Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – It’s Not Over Yet: The Importance of Vaccines In the Community Live Panel What: This live panel will discuss COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Black community and distrust of the health care system. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube. Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. When: 11 a.m.-noon Thursday
* Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – The State of Black Health in Chicago: The Good, the Bad and the Better Live Panel What: ABC7’s Will Jones and panelists discuss the state of health in Chicago’s Black community. The discussion will also be livestreamed on YouTube. Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
* Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – Small Business and Community Development Live Panel Discussion What: Brandon Pope of WCIU-TV will moderate a discussion on Black small businesses and community development. This event will be livestreamed on YouTube. Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday
*Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – Knead Dough: Wealth Building Strategies for the Individual and the Community What: Panelists will discuss fiscal strategies, cryptocurrencies and Black wealth. The discussion will be moderated by Darryl Dennard of WVAZ and can be livestreamed on YouTube. Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. When: Noon-1:30 p.m. Friday
* Juneteenth Eve: Sweet Tea and Storytelling What: Hear from artists reciting quotes, poetry, storytelling and prose at an event sponsored by Black-owned tea brand Spoonful of Sugar. Where: 750 S. California Ave. When: 1 p.m. Friday (guests are asked to arrive no later than 1:15 p.m.)
* Juneteenth: Opening Reception of Crossroads Solo Exhibit featuring E-SOSA What: There will be an exhibit of the works of artist E-SOSA. Tickets are required and include complimentary beverages. Food is also available for purchase. Artist talk starts 8 p.m. Where: 750 S. California Ave. When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday
* Juneteenth Brunch and Libations What: Organized by Art West, this event features an art exhibit. Brunch bites and plates will be available for purchase. Attendees, who will need to buy tickets, are encouraged to dress fancy. Where: 750 S. California Ave When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday
HAVE A SAFE AND FUN WEEKEND!! ~Laydie Fluent
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