Recently, leaders of Juneteenth Illinois gathered at Malcolm X College to host a press conference to highlight the importance of Juneteenth in Chicago.
The purpose of the press conference was to share the initiatives they are implementing to build on the four pillars of Juneteenth: equity in education, health, wealth and justice.
Juneteenth Illinois doesn’t just stand on the principles of uplifting Black youth in the city; it aims to exemplify these principles through its actions. This year brings the fourth annual celebration of the organization’s scholarship reception on June 14 and its panel discussion on June 22.
Each event centers around the four pillars of Juneteenth, aiming to remind Chicagoans of the holiday’s importance and what it means to the city.
At the press conference, guest speakers shared insights and expectations for the upcoming events. They included Wynona Redmond, Malcolm X College President David Sanders, Juneteenth Illinois Executive Director Barbara Deer, Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, State Senator LaKesia Collins, State Rep. Yolonda Morris, Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon, State Rep. La Shawn Ford, Donald Dew, President & CEO of Habilitative Systems, Inc. Donald Dew, Vice President, Legal and Government Relations at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service Kim Godden, program mentee and Morehouse College student Romell Franklin, among others.
Though many gave remarks, each speaker’s collective message was their passion and commitment to the city’s potential to thrive through Juneteenth Illinois and collaborating organizations.
Juneteenth Illinois’ Barbara Deer: ‘Juneteenth Is About Freedom’
Born and raised in North Lawndale, Barbara Deer grew up seeing caution tape on the playgrounds in front of her elementary school, across the street from her home. Now, she strives to shift that narrative.
Deer feels compelled to give back to students like others have mentored and supported her. Mentors and education helped her excel, and the support she received enabled her to achieve her goals.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Deer said, “Juneteenth Illinois is a way to uplift youth from underserved communities on the South and West Sides.”[/perfectpullquote]
From her research, Deer discovered data from the University of Illinois at Chicago showing that, over a four-year period, youth who participated in a mentoring program were 54% less likely to be arrested and 41% less likely to engage in substance abuse compared to their peers in a control group.
“When youth are educated, violence is reduced,” she said. “If you really understand that and what Juneteenth is about, you’d understand that it’s about freedom.”
Commissioner Bill Lowry: Addressing Violence and Uplifting Community
“After 161 years since the Emancipation Proclamation, are we really free?” asked Lowry, who is bold and passionate about the change he’s been seeking in Chicago for many years. Answering his own question with a firm “No,” Lowry continued, “Juneteenth isn’t a day of celebration but a year,” emphasizing the ongoing work needed to achieve the freedom we strive for.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Lowry reminded attendees that current efforts are commendable but could be improved. “While college is the route for many, it shouldn’t be the only way to provide for your family.” [/perfectpullquote]
He highlighted the importance of healthcare, mental health care and behavioral healthcare in the community.
Recognizing that more than 50% of incarcerated people in Cook County Jail suffer from mental health, he noted that “the work extends into fighting for criminal justice reform.”
“I stand to make a call to action, and that is for us together to stand up to address the violence plaguing all 77 communities of Chicago. I ask elected officials at every level, community organizations, community members, faith communities, and the business community to resource a community center in each and every ward of Chicago.”
He added, “Each center will feature partners offering healthy food choices, mental health care, triage services and many activities for our youth and seniors.”
It is his belief that “such a service will impact violence today while fostering a path forward for generations to come.”
Romell Franklin: The Power of Mentorship
When Romell Franklin got into the first cohort of Juneteenth Illinois, he did not realize the depth of support he would receive. Now, as a rising junior at Morehouse College, he shares the importance of the program and how it has helped him attend school, stating, “This scholarship was way more than a check.”
Through the program, he has been mentored, gained new friends, developed skills, and broadened his insights. He has learned to sift through the clutter of crime and violence to focus on what’s important: mentoring youth so they can accomplish their dreams and go places they didn’t or couldn’t have imagined.
His connection with Juneteenth Illinois is embedded in much of what he does.
Franklin praised Barbara Deer and others for their continued support in helping him navigate college and starting a business in Atlanta with his Chicago family, where he provides free services to those in the community.
Juneteenth Illinois: Two Days of Celebration, Education, and Empowerment
As a kickoff to this year’s Juneteenth festivities, Juneteenth Illinois will host its 4th annual scholarship reception on Friday, June 14, where Mayor Brandon Johnson will share remarks to honor the scholarship recipients.
The conference also includes a full day of empowerment at Malcolm X College on Saturday, June 22, during which Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle will share remarks.
The day will feature a complimentary breakfast, educational panels, vendors, a resource fair and a blood drive.
While Friday is a ticketed event, Saturday’s event is free and open to the public.
Why is Juneteenth Celebrated?
Two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved people in Texas were still under the impression that they were still enslaved. Once they learned that they were free, they embraced their newfound freedom.
With this new information, many had to fight to be released since some slave owners were not willing to relinquish their power over the formerly enslaved.
Black Texans have long celebrated June 19 as their day of freedom, officially known as Juneteenth.
As a result, in 1980, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday.
Today, it’s a federal holiday recognized in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia.
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