Chicago’s diverse Juneteenth celebrations honor the legacy of freedom with community events, festivals, and educational activities. From historical reflections to vibrant festivities, the city commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.
On June 19, 1865, two years (and a half) after Abraham Lincoln declared enslaved people free, Texans still bound by the rules of slavery were finally set free. However, it wasn’t until Union troops reached Galveston Bay, Texas, that this information was made public to the enslaved people.
The news came with great excitement from the enslaved but with disdain from many slave owners who viewed freedom as a blow to their businesses and what they had accomplished with free labor.
Juneteenth was first recognized as an official holiday in 1980 in Texas, given its roots there. Today, Juneteenth is a federal holiday recognized in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia. Formally known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, this celebration has united many Black people and changed how many have chosen to celebrate the special day.
Illinois, becoming the 47th state to honor the holiday, has seen many Black people in Chicago embracing the meaning behind Juneteenth.
They value the holiday and those who sacrificed to make this day possible. Freedom today is only freedom because of what others were willing to give up, knowing their sacrifice would change the trajectory of those coming behind them.
Juneteenth Illinois, “a collaboration of state, county, and local governments, community- and faith-based organizations, civic groups, the arts, and corporate sponsors, and your clearinghouse for all things Juneteenth in Illinois,” stands on the following four pillars of Juneteenth: “Equity in Education, Health, Wealth, and Justice.” The four pillars set a strong foundation of what people can stand on when celebrating June 19.
Juneteenth Celebrated in Chicago
Chicago celebrates Juneteenth in many different ways. While some people will kick back and spend time with their families, others will volunteer to clean their communities, attend festivals, go to galas, support Black businesses, and do Black History deep dives, among many other activities.
No matter how one decides to enjoy the day, a day filled with love, support, respect for freedom, education, and acknowledgment that Black people continue to persevere, thrive, and make the best out of life is one well-regarded celebration.
Juneteenth Events Happening In Chicago and Surrounding Areas
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS IN CHICAGO
Juneteenth Lake County 2024 at Foss Park
Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16, 2024 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
1901 Foss Park Ave., North Chicago, IL 60085
Juneteenth Illinois Scholarship Reception
Friday, June 14, 2024, 5 – 7 p.m.
540 West Madison, Chicago, IL 60661
Saturday, June 15th, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | FREE
Anna & Frederick Douglass Park, 1401 South Sacramento Drive
Bronzeville 2024 Juneteenth Celebration — Unity Rising
Saturday, June 15, 2024 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
3521 South King Drive Chicago, IL 60653
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 12–7 p.m. | FREE
110th & Longwood | Chicago IL
They Not Like Us | Art Exhibit and Gallery Fundraiser
Saturday, June 15 · 12 – 4 p.m.
Pose Cultural Art Gallery, 2136 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Sunday, June 16 – Tuesday, June 18 | 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
Garfield Park Music Court Circle, Chicago, IL 60624
Black Culture Week Juneteenth Flag Raising Celebration
Monday, June 17, 2024, 10– 11:30 a.m.
Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
The Emancipation Ball 2024: Chicago’s Premiere Juneteenth Event
Tuesday, June 18, 7 p.m. – Wednesday, June 19, 12 a.m.
Rockwell on the River, 3057 North Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL 60618
Juneteenth Celebration at MLK Skating and Bowling
Wednesday, June 19, 5 – 8 p.m.
The MLK Skating and Bowling Center, 1219 W 76th St Chicago, IL 60620
Juneteenth Extravaganza on Ellis 2024
Sunday, June 16, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
1000 East 76th Street Chicago, IL 60619
Wednesday, June 19, 3 – 9 p.m.
Virgin Hotels Chicago, North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
203 North Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL 60601
Black Culture Week Juneteenth FireWorks Fest
Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rainbow Beach Park, 3111 E 77th St, Chicago, IL 60649
Juneteenth Daytime Celebration (Chicago) 3-Level Yacht All-Black Attire
Saturday, June 15, 1:15 – 5:30 p.m.
Anita Dee Yacht Charters, 200 North Breakwater Access Chicago, IL 60601
Far South CDC presents the 2024 Juneteenth Festival!
Saturday, June 15, 12–5 p.m. | FREE
11420 South Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60628
Refine Collective Presents the 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market @ The Salt Shed
Wednesday, June 19, 2 – 7 p.m. | FREE
Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Salt Shed Outdoors (Fairgrounds), 1357 N Elston Ave Chicago, IL 60642
2024 Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Culture Market
Wednesday, June 19, 2 – 7 p.m. | FREE
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West Chicago, IL 60615
The Woodlawn Juneteenth Block Party
Wednesday, June 19, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. | FREE
1200 Est 79 Street, Chicago, IL
BYOB Game Night- Juneteenth Edition
Wednesday, June 19, 7 – 11 p.m.
215 East 47th Street Chicago, IL 60653
The DuSable Black History Museum Juneteenth Performances
June 19, 2024, 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m. | FREE
740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
Celebrate Juneteenth with The Rewind: An Online Experience
Wednesday, June 19, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Online
New Life Outreach Presents Juneteenth Community Clean-up
Wednesday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | FREE
New Life Covenant SE Church, 1021 E 78th St. Chicago, IL
Juneteenth Illinois Health Panel
Saturday, June 22, 8 – 10 a.m. | FREE
Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson, Chicago, Il 60612
I Got Away McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour
Wednesday, June 19, 7 – 10 p.m. | FREE
Greenwood Oasis, 7621 South Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS IN SURROUNDING AREAS
Wednesday, June 15, 4 – 9:30 p.m. | FREE
Robbins Community Center, 13800 S. Trumbull Ave. Robbins, IL 60472
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Parade
Saturday, June 19, 9 a.m. | FREE
Sterling Ave and Flossmoor Road, 999 Kedzie Ave, Flossmoor, IL
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival
Wednesday, June 15, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | FREE
999 Kedzie Ave, Flossmoor, IL
Juneteenth Lake County 2024 at Foss Park
Friday, June 14– Sunday 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | FREE
1901 Foss Park Ave., North Chicago, IL 60085
Evanston’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Parade
Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1801 Main Street
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