A celebration and community recognition event is planned for Cook County’s Juneteenth IL 2025, which takes place Saturday, June 14, as a part of “Juneteenth Illinois,” an initiative commemorating the official June 19 date. This year’s conference is titled “Getting to the Heart of the Matter” and marks the 5th annual celebration of Juneteenth by the county since it became an official holiday in December 2020.
Co-founded by the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer (2nd District), Juneteenth Illinois continues under the leadership of its Executive Director, Barbara Deer. Juneteenth Illinois is a collaboration between Cook County Board Commissioners Bill Lowry (3rd District), Stanley Moore (4th District), Tara Stamps (1st District), and Michael Scott, Jr. (2nd District); Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, Sen. Lakesia Collins (State Senator 5th District), Rep. Yolonda Morris (State Representative 9th District), Rep. Jawaharial Williams (State Representative 10th District), Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (State Representative 33rd District), Alderwoman Monique Scott (24th Ward); Cook County Juneteenth Joint Planning Committee, State of Illinois and the City of Chicago.
Day-long activities include breakfast, a memorial tribute to the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, panel discussions, a blood drive, a resource fair, senior Bingo, a pre-Father’s Day gesture and the Juneteenth Scholarship Reception. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Malcolm X College at 1900 W. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson will speak at the Juneteenth Scholarship Reception, 2– 4 p.m., where $10,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students. The scholarships will be given to ten newly selected students, and additional money will be given to returning students. The program includes a showcase of youth leadership in the arts with African dance, a drumline, soulful music, the annual “Divine 9 roll call”, and great food.
All-access to Juneteenth Illinois 2025 panels and activities is FREE to the public, although pre-registration is strongly encouraged for this popular event.
“Every year, we look forward to engaging and educating citizens about the work and progress being made in this city and county, that is centered around justice, health and wellness, education and generational wealth building. It is important that we share updates on the work people are doing,” said Executive Director Barbara Deer. “Our goal is to continue building community and Black joy.”
Here is the full-day schedule for June 14, 2025, at Malcolm X College:
Saturday, June 14, 2025 ● 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ● Breakfast and Panel Discussions as Listed Below
PART 1: HEALTH/EDUCATION: “Getting to the Heart of the Matter”
Moderator: Tara Stamps, Cook County Commissioner (1st District)
Health Panel
Lashawnda Thornton, Clinical Therapist & Founder Growth Through Guidance
Dr. LaMenta “Sweetie” Conway, Founder & Board President, I Am Able Foundation
Education Panel
Valerie F. Leonard, Founder of Non-Profit Utopia, LLC
Jamal Malone, CEO, Ada S. McKinley
Markisha Ford, Youth Speaker
AWARDEES
Health Awardee – Dr. Marlon E. Everett, Cardiologist, Co-founder and Co-Executive Director of the Chicago Elite Classic, NFP
Education Awardee – Jamal Malone, CEO, Ada S. McKinley
PART 2: WEALTH AND JUSTICE: “Building Economic Stability and Sustainability”
Moderator– Sharon Grant, D. Sharon Grant and Associates
Wealth Panel
Rodney Brown, Executive Director/CEO, New Covenant CDC
Reginald Little, Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union
Trinity Deer, Youth Speaker
Justice Panel
Hon. William Hooks, Judge, Cook County Circuit Court
Frederick Dennis, RJ- Circle Keeper at LCLC and Founder of Boss Boxing
Youth Speaker
AWARDEES
Wealth Awardee – Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago City Treasurer
Justice Awardee – Hon. William Hooks, Judge, Cook County Circuit Court
11:05 a.m. – 1 p.m. Blood Drive/Resource Fair/Financial Literacy/Estate Planning
12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m. Senior Bingo
2:00 p.m. – 4 p.m. Juneteenth Scholarship Reception
Additionally, as a part of Juneteenth Illinois 2025, the www.JuneteenthIllinois.com website provides resources and events information from across the state. It serves as a unified, one-stop portal for the public to learn about how Illinoisans are celebrating Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. Ongoing updates are added to the website regularly, and organizations and businesses are encouraged to submit their information to be included on the resources and/or events page.
To add an event, complete the website’s online form.
