Juneteenth. A celebration of the black family, freedom, and community. This year’s Juneteenth coincides with Father’s Day, so the upcoming weekend brings about a lot to celebrate. If you’ve never celebrated Juneteenth or you have and don’t know what to do, take a look at the list below for some things to do.
1619: The Journey of a People, The Musical at The Vittum Theatre June 16-18th
This musical theatre performance celebrates and remembers the journey for equality while acknowledging the story of African-Americans’ development as a people. Ticket prices vary and discounted tickets are available. Show times vary.
Juneteenth Weekend Market Day at POSE CULTURAL ART GALLERY
The Pose Cultural Art Gallery is hosting several events to celebrate Juneteenth this year. Friday, June 17th at 6:00 pm an Art Exhibit-Chicago for Black Art Juneteenth History Conversation and Vibes. Saturday, June 18th from 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm is Market Day. This event will provide crafts and works of art from local creators will be available for the public to enjoy.
Saturday, June 18th from 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm and Sunday, June 19th from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm Juneteenth Black History is Our History Art Exhibit. Join them as they share the journey to freedom in the form of art.
The cost is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10.00. Location of these events: 2136 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Trade Day & Juneteenth Celebration in Douglas Park, June 18, 2022 from 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Location: Douglas Park Field House, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, Chicago
This is a free community event that will offer teens the opportunity to interact and learn about various trades.
Juneteenth Celebration at Rotary Hill June 18, 2022 from 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm
Location: 440 Aurora Ave. Naperville, IL
Join Naperville Neighbors United for their first event celebrating Freedom Day. Participants will enjoy speakers, food and various activities filled with fun. The event is free of charge.
Juneteenth Celebration Sand Ridge Nature Center, June 18, 2022
from 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
Location: 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland
Come out and celebrate family, freedom and history. This free event will have activities for all ages about the making of this monumental day.
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival & Parade June 19, 2022 from 10:00 am -6:30 pm
Location: Homewood-Flossmoor High School, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor -South Parking Lot
Come join the Homewood community as they celebrate African-American culture with food, dance, music and art. The parade begins at 10:00 am and festival events at 11:00 am.
It Takes a Village Family of Schools Juneteenth Village Fest Saturday, June 18th from 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm
Location: Douglas Park South California from 12th to Ogden Chicago, IL
This event is free and open to the public. Expect a time filled with carnival rides, inflatables, community vendors, Juneteenth traditions and so much more.
Juneteenth and Father’s Day Celebration Sunday, June 19th from 1:00 pm -4:00 pm
Location: 639 N. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL
This free event for those simultaneously celebrating Father’s Day and Juneteenth will be one to remember. Specifically located at the Memorial Park District behind Adventure Bay Pool, there will be a host of games, plenty of barbecue and other activities for all to enjoy.
This is just a sample of the many events going on this coming weekend in the city and surrounding suburbs. If you’ve never celebrated Juneteenth, this is the perfect year to start. While we know that African-Americans celebrate our heritage 365 days of the year by simply existing in our skin, it’s important that we continue commemorating this holiday as it marks the beginning of our continuous strive for freedom.
Liz Lampkin is a Lifestyle, Love and Relationships writer. Follow her on social media @Liz_Lampkin