Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
General Order Number 3, issued by General Gordon Granger to the people of Texas
Juneteenth is officially this Sunday, with the federal holiday falling on Monday, but celebrations will be held throughout the holiday weekend around the Fox Valley. Here’s a run-down.
Saturday, June 18
Worship Service
A worship service will be held at the Peg Bond Center in Batavia on Saturday at 4:00pm. All are cordially invited to celebrate Juneteenth with live worship music, fellowship and spoken word.
Peg Bond Center, 151 North Island Avenue, Batavia
Juneteenth Celebration Aurora
Aurora’s Juneteenth celebration will be taking place on Saturday June 18th from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. This will be held at Martin Luther King Jr. park on the city’s east ide at Farnsworth & Grand boulevard/ Free admission and the public is invited! There will be prizes, poetry, live entertainment and a whole lot more.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park at Farnsworth & Grand Boulevard, Aurora
Juneteenth Festival Elgin
Come celebrate live music, the battle of the DJs, the children’s game area, and most of all, vendors of food and business as we celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. The name “Juneteenth” references the date of the holiday, combining the words “June” and “nineteenth”. Let’s celebrate this event of remembrance together. Sat, Jun 18, 5:30 PM – Sun, Jun 19, 5:00 PM
Festival Park, 132 S Grove Ave, Elgin
Sunday, June 19
First Annual Juneteenth Summer Jam
Everyone in our community is invited to celebrate with us just like when we celebrate July 4th!
Bring your lawn chair, blankets, plenty of fluids, sunscreen and come enjoy the day with us, 11:00am to 6:00pm.
- Singleton DJ Mixmaster – bringing the heat with music to soothe your soul the whole day.
- A trio group of artist – Roger Weaver and his trio band with some fabulous performances – 11:00am – 2pm
- The Jesse White Tumblers – showing off there amazing acrobats – 2pm – 3pm
- Any twirlers out there? Fox Valley Flourish Twirling Club will be giving a clinic – 3:30pm
- Love double dutch? Bring the energy
- Into sack races? Come show off your skills
- Photo op area – dress to relax and enjoy the day
- Haven’t registered to vote? No problem we will have a bi-partisan registrar on site
- Need to support our community? No problem We are collecting for the D300 Food Pantry, bring your can goods. The Food pantry needs – Canned pasta, canned meat (tuna, chicken), canned beans.
- Informercial presented by our Black Youth Alliance Students from our local high schools – look forward to learn a thing or 2 about Juneteenth
- Victoria’s Sweets and Eats – will be on site with their signature Jerk Chicken and some other yummy food, so bring your appetite
- Give Some 2 Get Some LLC- will also be on site with customized apparel
Dundee-Crown High School, 1500 Kings Road, Carpentersville
2nd Annual Juneteenth Paint & Sip
We are back again with our Juneteenth Paint & Sip this Sunday, June 19, at 3:30pm. We will participate in painting our own Juneteenth themed artwork and enjoy a selection of wines including Black owned brands. There will be refreshments, raffles, and an all around amazing time!
We are also offering a few opportunities for Black owned business to showcase their products and services by being a vendor.
Alive Center, 500 W 5th Ave, Naperville
