To celebrate Juneteenth, the city and local organizations are hosting events throughout the weekend of June 19 and into next week.
The federal holiday celebrates Black freedom and the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the U.S. It marks the day, June 19, 1865, when enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas finally learned from federal troops that they were free, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth honors Black history and ongoing resilience in the fight for equality.
Here are some ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Evanston:
June 19: Opal’s Walk for Freedom
Opal’s Walk for Freedom is a national event honoring the legacy of activist and educator Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Lee’s activism and walking campaign was instrumental in establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021.
The event, a 2.5 mile walk along Evanston’s lakefront, recognizes the two and a half years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the news of freedom reaching Texas. The opening ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the walk kicking off at 10:30 a.m. from Arrington Lagoon in Dawes Park. The walk will follow the lakefront path north toward Northwestern, then south to Lee Street Beach and back.
June 19: Juneteenth Celebration
After Opal’s Walk for Freedom, the city will host its Juneteenth celebration at Arrington Lagoon in Dawes Park. Kicking off at 12:20 p.m., the event will have food vendors, children’s programming, educational and historical exhibits, community resources and opportunities for civic engagement, according to the city’s website. The event will also feature live performances, including from the music group GreenTTea & the Tempos at 1 p.m. and the NAJWA Dance Corps at 2:30 pm.
June 19: Free Flow Kitchen Juneteenth After Party
Evanston restaurant Free Flow Kitchen will be hosting a Juneteenth after-party from 6 to 11 p.m. at 1623 Simpson St. At the event, attendees can enjoy music and food. Tickets for the event are $23.53.
June 20: Sneaker Soirée at The AUX
In honor of its one-year anniversary and to celebrate Juneteenth, minority-owned business collective The AUX is hosting a sneaker soirée on Saturday at 7 p.m. The event will also act as a fundraiser for The AUX. General admission tickets are $150 and attendees can expect live music, food and a chance to support The AUX’s future programming..
June 26: Black Family Game Night: Juneteenth Edition
The Evanston Public Library is hosting Black Family Game Night: Juneteenth Edition on June 26 at the Robert Crown Branch Library. There will be a few opening activities, followed by a trivia competition where participants can test their knowledge of Black music, history, pop culture and sports. There will be prizes for the trivia winners and food at the event from local Black-owned restaurants.
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