CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Monday, Illinois, along with the entire nation will commemorate Juneteenth. June 19, a national holiday, annually recognizes the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.
Ahead of the the holiday, several Juneteenth related ceremonies have already taken place throughout the Chicago area, and, in next three days, there will be no shortage of events and celebrations.
Here are some Juneteenth activities that are worth checking out this weekend:
Homewood Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival
Organized by the nonprofit You Matter 2, the all-afternoon affair is a celebration of African American culture that will feature food, music, dance and arts. The festivities culminate on Monday with a morning parade that will go from Western Avenue Elementary, 940 Western Ave., to Parker Junior High, 2810 School St.
When: Saturday, June 17- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, June 19- parade: 9 a.m.
Where: Homewood-Flossmoor High School, South Parking Lot-
999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor
Price: General admission is free, however a $10 donation is welcome.
Bronzeville Juneteenth Celebration
The family event on the South Side will have live indoor and outdoor entertainment for all ages that will showcase local historians as well as visual and performing artists.
When: Saturday, June 17- 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Absolutely Anything Essential, 3521 S. King Drive, Chicago
Price: Free
Juneteenth Festival of Lake County
The three-day celebration begins with an afternoon expo in North Chicago that will feature vendors, live music and an “endless grill. The Juneteenth Gospel Concert will take place the following day in North Chicago. On Monday, there will be a prayer breakfast in Mundelein.
When: Saturday, June 17 (Juneteenth Expo) - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 18 (Juneteenth Gospel Concert) - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, June 19 (Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast) - 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Juneteenth Expo- Foss Park Lakefront Park, 1901 Foss Park Ave., North Chicago
Juneteenth Gospel Concert- First Corinthian MB Church, 1529 Elizabeth Ave., North Chicago
Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast- Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, 510. E. IL Route 83, Mundelein
Price: Expo is free, donations are requested for concert and breakfast.
Fourth Annual Juneteenth Block Party
The South Side event recognizes the African American Journey with visual, musical, and culinary arts that will be for all ages.
When: Monday, June 19- 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 1200 E. 79th St. (near 79th and Woodlawn), Chicago
Price: Free
Juneteenth Youth Summit
The morning program provides a growth opportunity for emerging leaders in middle school, high schools and college, offering speaking sessions on education, entrepreneurship, and equity. The day’s keynote speaker will be Earle, Arkansas Mayor Jaylen Smith, the youngest Black Mayor in the United States.
When: Monday, June 19- 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Price: Free, click here to register
M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS: Juneteenth The Celebration
Chicago’s award winning tap dancing group is the featured performer at this South Side event that will include several other live dance performances as well as free food, workshops, raffles, and art activities.
When: Monday, June 19- 1 p.m.
Where: Harold Washington Cultural Center’s parking lot, 4701 S. King Dr., Chicago
Price: Free
Juneteenth Community BBQ
The DuSable Black History Museum hosts a day filled with food, music, and games. There will be inflatables and a petting zoo for kids, giveaways as well as special musical performance by rapper Kool Moe Dee to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.
When: Monday, June 19- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 East 56th Place, Chicago
Price: Free
Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market
The pop-up market showcases thirty local Black vendors, selling food, clothing, candles and art.
When: Monday, June 19- 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Promontory, 5311 S Lake Park Ave. W., Chicago
Price: Admission is free
American Writers Museum
The Downtown museum celebrates Juneteenth with an evening dedicated to the work of Black writers and artists. It will feature a reading from author Jaha Nailah Avery’s “Those Who Saw the Sun,” a new collection of oral history narratives during the time of Jim Crow in the South.
When: Monday, June 19- 6 p.m.
Where: American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Price: Free
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