June 19, also known as Juneteenth, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States when Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and all enslaved people were now free.
One of the oldest celebrated days in the United States, the Juneteenth date is now widely recognized in the American consciousness as we revisit our nation’s history. Juneteenth was proclaimed a federal holiday and became an official Illinois holiday in June 2021.
The national reckoning over race helped set the stage for Juneteenth to become the first new federal holiday since 1983, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created.
“We are the Land of Lincoln – with a proud legacy of embracing the emancipation and rejecting slavery even before the Civil War as a safe haven for enslaved people traveling the Underground Railroad. It is only fitting that Illinois is now at the forefront of recognizing Juneteenth – allowing our communities a chance to honor those before us and to celebrate the freedom it represents today. As our nation continues to reflect on the impacts of its history, we encourage Illinoisans to join celebrations in their communities to recognize the importance of Juneteenth this year and in years ahead," said Stephanie Taylor, co-chair of the Illinois Juneteenth Committee.
The Illinois Juneteenth Committee is a grassroots-driven group comprised of community organizers who are leading the charge on educating residents and communities statewide in acknowledgement, celebration and advocacy of the importance of Juneteenth in American history.
Here’s a selection of events to acknowledge the importance of Juneteenth across Illinois:
Alton
- Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom: June 15, 2024, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Along the Mississippi River, Alton will mark 33 years of celebrating Juneteenth at James H. Killion Park with cultural presentations, performances and homemade cuisine. - Untold Black Stories: Self-guided tour, anytime
An audio and visual walking tour of downtown Alton. The 1-mile route along the Broadway corridor includes personal stories from 15 residents.
Aurora
- Juneteenth Youth Summit - A Different World: June 19, 2024, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This event aimed at middle and high school leaders will offer inspirational talks and interactive sessions about education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. - Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Celebration: June 15, 2024, 3:30 p.m–7:30 p.m.
Commemorate African American heritage and help support Black-owned businesses with music, live entertainment, African American History tributes, poetry, food & craft vendors, chess tournaments and more. Hosted by African American Men of Unity (AAMOU).
Bloomington
- Juneteenth Community 2024 Celebration: June 22, 2024, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join a day of celebration, information, and inspiration. The Juneteenth Community Celebration will feature entertainment and performances, community resources, vendors and food trucks in Miller Park.
Carbondale
- 2024 Juneteenth Block Party: June 14, 2024, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
Join the Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois for this year’s Juneteenth Block Party. Jackson to Gum Street will be blocked off for a fun-filled evening of live entertainment, food vendors, face painting, community organisations, and so much more.
Collinsville
- Collinsville Juneteenth Festival: June 19, 2024, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
There will be food, vendors, live music, dancers, poets, games and raffles. The festival will include the first ever Juneteenth parade in Collinsville. This celebration will be hosted by Collinsville High School Black Student Union.
Champaign
- Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration: June 15, 2024, 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Enjoy music and visit different vendors while learning about this important holiday. Children can create arts and crafts, play on the bounce house and obstacle course, or get soaked in the Splash Pad at Douglass Park.
Chicago area
- Bronzeville 2024 Juneteenth Celebration — Unity Rising: June 15, 2024, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Keynote speakers include Alderman Lamont Robinson, political pioneer Ms. Delmarie Cobb and Bronzeville historian Myiti Sengstacke-Rice. Performing artists from the Chicagoland area will come together to showcase their depictions, share stories, educate residents and entertain attendees. - Juneteenth Village Fest: June 15, 2024, 12 noon–8 p.m.
Juneteenth Village Fest will feature carnival rides, games, local talent and food and music to provide a space for the ITAV Family of Schools, partner organizations, and the broader community to commemorate the liberation of African descendants from the institution of slavery. - The DuSable Black History Museum Juneteenth Performances: June 19, 2024, 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Black creativity and expression with blues and R&B performances on June 19th at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. - Juneteenth Family Festival: June 15, 2024, 12 noon–7 p.m.
Every year, thousands of people flock to Chicago’s south-side Beverly/Morgan Park community to attend the annual Juneteenth Family Festival. Attendees will enjoy a DJ & live music, African dance, family sports & activities, face painting, unique vendors and more. - Juneteenth Lake County 2024 at Foss Park: June 14–16, 2024
Welcome to a vibrant Juneteenth festival, where culture and community support come alive! Immerse yourself in the beauty of African clothing, captivating art, and Black-owned businesses for a weekend of flavor, fashion, artistry and empowerment. - West Communities Juneteenth Collaborative: June 13, 15, 17, 19
Visit the Traveling Museum at their 2024 Events including a BBQ, pool party and flag ceremonies. The events take place in River Forest, Forest Park and Westchester.
Danville
- Marchin Towards Freedom 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: June 19, 2024, 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Once again this event will be held downtown at Temple Plaza. There will be access to local resources, vendors, food, and live entertainment! A celebration concert and panel discussion will conclude the day at the Masonic Temple, beginning at 5:30 pm.
Decatur
- Juneteenth Freedom Day - Rooted in Excellence: June 16, 2024, 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join us at The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater for live music, food, and more!
East St. Louis
- Illinois Black Woodstock Festival - Juneteenth Edition: June 19, 2024, 12 p.m.–9 p.m.
The foundation has put a spin on the Woodstock theme by inviting business owners and enthusiasts from around the world for a day of commerce, family fun, and amazing live performances. - 618 Day / Juneteenth "Royalty Tour": June 15, 2024, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Beginning at City Hall and heading to 68th and State by ESL Township. Enjoy the annual motorcade and flag raising, along with vendors and live entertainment.
Elgin
- Juneteenth Cultural Festival: What About the Children?: June 15, 2024, 1 p.m.–9 p.m.
Join the excitement at this year's Juneteenth Cultural Festival. This year's event is centered around the young people of the community, with a day full of family fun. There'll be performances, art, storytelling, food, and more.
Evanston
- 5th annual Juneteenth Parade and Celebration: June 15, 2024, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join Parade Marshall, Second Ward Alderman Krissie Harris, the ETHS Marching Band, the Evanston Creative Dance Team, the South Shore Drill Team, and The Jesse White Tumblers along with floats, walking groups, marching bands & cars. The commemoration will continue where the parade ends at Ingraham Park until 4PM with additional festivities, food, vendors, and speakers.
Freeport
- The CookOut: An EV Juneteenth Art Celebration: June 22, 2024, 1 p.m.–8 p.m.
This event from Elevated Voices will celebrate and honor the timeless "CookOut". Join for a day full of food, art, and fun galore.
Mount Vernon
- 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: June 19, 2024, 2 p.m.
Be a part of our 5th Annual Celebration of Juneteenth. This local celebration includes guest speakers, live entertainment, DJ, art & craft vendors, food trucks, games, giveaways, 3pt basketball shooting contest and lots of fun for the whole family.
Peoria
- Juneteenth Fest 2024: June 15, 2024, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Head to the George Washington Carver Recreational Center at John H. Gwynn Jr. Park for the return of Juneteenth Fest. This year's event will feature all kinds of fun, including basketball, free youth haircuts, a bouncy house, performances, local food and merch vendors, and horseback rides. - Contemporary Art Center's Juneteenth Celebration: June 19, 2024, 6:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
This free event will feature artist Alice Traore, poetry by Ryan Lowry, and short presentations by other speakers including Cynthia Smith, Manager of the Lincoln Branch, Peoria Public Library. There will also be live music from Judy Page and Preston Jackson.
Quincy
- Juneteenth Celebration - Community Picnic: June 8, 2024, 12 noon–5 p.m.
The first Juneteenth Celebration Community Picnic is dedicated to community, fellowship, food, music, and fun for all ages. Feel free to bring a side dish or dessert to the event at Upper Moorman Park. - Juneteenth Celebration - Community Gala: June 14, 2024, 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Join for an elegant evening for people aged 12 and up. A social hour and catered dinner from JJ's will be followed by entertainment from Memphis, Tennessee vocal group Perfect Combination. - Juneteenth Celebration - Juneteenth Festival: June 15, 2024, 1 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
This festival features a variety of food, local businesses, and informational vendors. Highlights include appearances by the Buffalo Soldiers Iker Group, a variety of children's activities such as bounce houses and petting zoo, and performances by dancers and musicians. - Juneteenth Celebration - Voices of Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom Community Choir: June 16, 2024, 2:30 p.m.
This event will feature voices from the community, led by guest directors Koretta Sykes and Marquis Smith.
Rockford
- Juneteenth1865 - 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: June 19, 2024, 1 p.m.–9 p.m.
The longest-running Juneteenth celebration in Illinois is back! Come along for a day of music, community awards, food and retail vendors, a talent show, and more! The day ends with a headlining performance from Con Funk Shun.
Springfield
- 2024 Juneteenth Celebration: June 12–19, 2024
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first Springfield Juneteenth Celebration, and it's a full program of exciting events. Festivities begin with a talent showcase on June 12, followed by a concert series, lunch and learn panel, museum party, Mr. and Miss. Juneteenth Pageant, and more. On June 15, join the annual parade, and on June 15 and 16, head along to the Park Celebration, featuring a headlining performance from Morris Day and The Time.
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