CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — For generations, Juneteenth has been a significant day for Black Americans, commemorating the moment when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom. Since its recognition as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth celebrations have expanded across the United States, including in Central Illinois.
Even though the official holiday lands on June 19, various events are set in motion by libraries, colleges, and community organizations throughout Central Illinois. These festivities include festivals, fairs, concerts, and other engaging activities leading up to the day itself.
Here’s a look at where you can join in on the celebrations in your area:
Champaign
The Champaign Public Library, along with the Champaign Park District, is organizing a collaborative Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 13. The festivities, scheduled from noon to 3 p.m., will feature live music, food trucks, a scavenger hunt, and more. Attendees can also explore community vendors and nonprofit resources available during the event.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Juneteenth at Douglass Park once again this summer,” Champaign Park District Executive Director, Sarah Sandquist, said in a news release. “This tradition has become an important community event, and we are honored to work with the Champaign Public Library to bring it to life each year.”
Douglass Branch Manager, Thea Green, added that the celebration brings community members of all ages and backgrounds together to connect, celebrate and learn.
The park district will also hold a free Juneteenth Concert at Douglass Park on Friday, June 19, beginning at 6 p.m.
Urbana
Urbana will hold its “Soulful Streets” event on June 16 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 201 E Illinois Street. Attendees can expect a variety of food from local vendors, including burgers, BBQ and shaved ice.
The next day, the Urbana Park District and Urbana Free Library will hold their annual Juneteenth Celebration at Prairie Park. It’ll take place from 5:30-8 p.m., and everything is free, the park district added. Call the park district at (217) 255-8601 for more information.
Then on June 18, Illinois Soul and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts will host a Juneteenth celebration, featuring Raphael & Whitney. The two previously performed on America’s Got Talent, and have also performed alongside Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran and John Legend. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Learn more about it here.
On June 19, community members are invited to the annual Juneteenth Parade and Liberation Celebration. The Well Experience said people can begin to gather in the Sunnycrest parking lot at 12:30 p.m. and the parade will begin 30 minutes later. Click here to see the parade route. The Liberation Celebration will be held in the Sunnycrest parking lot at 2:15 p.m.
Decatur
In Decatur, the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater announced plans to host a full lineup of events to celebrate Juneteenth.
The concert will kick off on June 19 with Clifton Jones & The Anointed Friends and include special performances by Main Street Praise Dancers and Dynamic Heat Elite Dance Co. Kapital Sound will close out the night. Doors open for the event at 3 p.m.
Springfield
Nearly a week of events celebrating Juneteenth in Springfield is kicking off on June 12. These events include:
June 12:
Family Day
Held at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Youth in the Movement
Held at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site from 12-3 p.m.
NOIR art exhibition
Held at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site from 5-7 p.m.
June 13:
32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration (Day 1)
Held at Comer Cox Park from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Unity Parade and Celebration
Starts on South Grand and MLK at 10 a.m.; ends at 11 a.m. at Comer Cox Park
June 14:
Praise in the Park
Comer Cox Park, S MLK Drive from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration (Day 2)
Held at Comer Cox Park from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
June 16:
Youth Day at The Outlet
Held at The Outlet from 5-7 p.m.
June 18:
Juneteenth LEVITT AMP Concert with Psycodelics (Funk) and Paul Bill Jr.
Held at Y-Block from 6-9:15 p.m.
June 19:
Juneteenth Youth Breakfast and Fine Arts Showcase
Held at the Salvation Army of Springfield from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Juneteenth Restaurant and Bar Crawl
Starts at Boyd’s Restaurant at 1 p.m.
For more details about the events, visit Juneteenth Inc online or on Facebook.
The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies will also host a special Juneteenth celebration. On June 15, Nikole Hannah-Jones — the host and executive producer of the Hulu docuseries The 1619 Project — will speak at the Juneteenth Lecture Series. The event will be held at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Reserve a ticket here.
The museum will also display the Emancipation Proclamation from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the library building from June 12 through June 19, with the exception of Sunday, June 14. On June 19, admission to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will be free. More details about Juneteenth events at the museum can be found here.
Mattoon
Lake Land College is hosting a Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Luther Student Center. The event will include a black-owned business fair, games, music, a fashion and hair show and more. It’s open to students, staff, faculty and community members.
The college is also encouraging attendees to participate in a fundraiser walk during the event. It supports the Lake Land College Opportunity Fund, which helps marginalized students facing financial barriers. The Mattoon Rotary Club will contribute up to $1,000 in support.
Did we miss any events? Email us at news@wcia.com.
