Outside Kenwood Academy High School, Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined the Juneteenth celebration, marking the moment when, in 1865, federal troops in Texas informed enslaved African Americans that they were free — two years after the Emancipation proclamation was signed.
The governor said the holiday celebrates the progress that's been made since then. But, he told the crowd gathered on Chicago’s South Side, it also recognizes there’s a lot more to do.
“This holiday is a solemn reminder that our nation’s most abominable sin is not light years in the past,” Pritzker said.
The event host, Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, called for government action to help end the violence plaguing the community.
Lowry said all officials, public and private, secular and religious, should provide resources for community centers in each of Chicago's 50 wards.
“Over the past four days we have hosted and participated in a number of Juneteenth events focusing on health, equity, and justice,” Lowry said. “Now, this is my message: We must focus on these issues and more, not just for four days, but for 365 days each and every year.”
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton told the Juneteenth celebration outside Kenwood Academy High School that their efforts to promote equity and improve the lives of African Americans are a tribute to those who came before.
“Is there more to do? Of course there is,” she said. "But look around today; we are doing it."
For example, said Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, local government is treating gun violence like the public health crisis that it is.
“We didn’t just do that, but we put money behind it,” Deer said. “We put $1 million in Cook County Health’s budget, another $36 million into the JAC, and people are getting money to interrupt — guess what — violence.”
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
Related
Related
