Annual celebration at Sand Ridge Nature Center brings together music, storytelling, history, food and community partners for a day honoring Black history and resilience
The sounds of music, the stories of history and the strength of community will fill the Forest Preserves of Cook County as the annual Juneteenth Jubilee returns for a free celebration of freedom and culture. The event takes place Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sand Ridge Nature Center and Camp Shabbona Woods and is part of a weeklong series of Juneteenth programs across the Forest Preserves.
“Juneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate freedom while reflecting on the stories, struggles and triumphs that shaped our communities,” says Cook County Board and Forest Preserves of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle. “The Forest Preserves are not only places to experience nature, but places where people can gather, learn and connect with our shared history in meaningful ways.”
Juneteenth Jubilee transforms the Sand Ridge Nature Center Campus into a vibrant gathering space filled with live performances, interactive experiences, educational activities, community organizations and local vendors. Highlights include storytelling led by Mama Edie, a performance by Lana Lewis of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” cultural dance presentations, interactive art activities, genealogy resources and opportunities to learn about local Black history.
A featured Freedom Journey experience will invite attendees on a guided community walk from Camp Shabbona Woods to Sand Ridge Nature Center. Along the route, participants will encounter “Freedom Documents” featuring historical facts, reflection prompts, quotes and stories highlighting Juneteenth milestones and local Black historical figures.
The celebration will also include a ceremonial cake cutting honoring longstanding Juneteenth traditions, with red foods and drinks symbolizing resilience, sacrifice, survival and joy. Community leaders, elders and guests will join in recognition of freedom remembered and carried forward.
Guests will also have opportunities to connect with organizations, artists and educators helping preserve and share Black history, culture and creativity throughout the region. Throughout the event, attendees can visit:
- Afro-American Genealogical & Historical Society of Chicago, which encourages guests to bring non-sensitive materials such as wedding programs, funeral programs or family papers to learn more about researching family history
- A Child’s Vision, sharing an exhibit which captures in-the-moment activism from 2020
- Midwest Underground Railroad Network sharing information about local Underground Railroad history and freedom journeys
- Light of Loving Kindness, performing and leading a drum circle
- Solidarity Studios, bringing different communities together through music
- Beto de Freitas and Greg’s Ceramics which will showcase their different styles of artwork celebrating culture and community.
To learn more about this event and other ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, visit fpdcc.com/juneteenth. All Juneteenth events are free and open to the public.
