juneteenth

The Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade begins at 7 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. with a complimentary community breakfast at the Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 1457 S. Kenneth Avenue, complete with a celebrity chef. #parade

“This celebration is about honoring history, embracing unity, and celebrating the strength of our community,” said Victoria Vann, Organizer and Westchester Village Trustee. #event

The musical festival is being presented by the Grace At Jerusalem C.D.C. Hugs Ministry and the Hospitality Ministry and R&B Justice.

It will be an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, while also exploring how we can promote civility in our daily lives and communities. #juneteenth

Walmart is recognizing four outstanding African Americans for excellence in their respective fields and contributions to their communities. #walmartsparkawards

The event coupled the Juneteenth and Father’s Day holidays with awards given to many local business owners, elected officials, community leaders, and exemplary fathers. #southlandblackchamber

In the last few years there has been increased conversation about the celebration of one of America’s oldest unofficial holidays: Juneteenth.

Illinois Recognizes Juneteenth as State Holiday (Springfield, IL) - Illinois continues to lead the nation when it comes to tackling structural racism as legislation declaring June 19, Juneteenth, an official state holiday was signed into law. 

On June 19, 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. Today, over 150 years later, Illinois now declares June 19 a state holiday to recognize Juneteenth National Freedom Day.