How You Celebrating Juneteenth?!?!

Juneteenth, June 19th,  is now a federal holiday! The entire nation is talking about President Joe Biden signing legislation to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Most people are aware that enslaved people were freed under the emancipation proclamation in 1863; however, many slaves were unaware until June 19, 1865. While, there are many reasons to celebrate the national recognition of a black holiday; it is interesting that critical race theory is still not being taught in schools and there is no anti-lynching bill in sight. 

America loves to gaslight, or psychologically manipulate and covertly sow seeds of doubt in the black community to make us question our own memory, perception, or judgment. And still, the city is open, get out and rejoice in your blackness, but do not be deceived or distracted. This day is a celebration of black liberation and a reminder of how strong and resilient black people are. Check out the list below for some things around the city to get into.

June 19th Festivities 
South Side
Defund CPD Campaign | Juneteenth Block Party |  1-7p | 51st and Loomis
Art, Music, Food, Activities, and workshops about defunding the police to invest in communities 
Nipsey’s Restaurant | Juneteenth Celebration | 5p | 9156 S Stony Island Ave
$16.19 Dinner Specials, Music, Soulfully Curated Cocktails
The Woodlawn | Juneteenth Block Party |  Noon-10p | 1200 E 79th St
Rooftop Parties, Spoken Word, Live Music, Cultural Activities| Kids Club, Comedy, Vendors, Guest Djs
South Shore Brew | Coffee + Pride | 8a-3pm | 7101 S Yates Blvd
Pride. Merch. DJs. Pop Ups. Collaboration. Special Menu. Black Liberation
 Rich Auntie Energy Juneteenth Bonfire|6p-12a|Promontory PointBlack people, African American people, Aboriginal people, beautiful people let’s relish in our power and celebrate ourselves.


West Side
Urban Reformers |Juneteenth Celebration | 4p | Harrison Park
Food, Music, kickball! 
1865 Fest at the BandStand | 3p- 1a| 100 S Central Park Blvd Come see live music at the Band Stand on 100 South Central Park Avenue in celebration of Juneteenth! 
Roll N Peace: Juneteenth Celebration|4-10p|Ogden Park
Families can hop on their bikes for a cycling celebration of unity. Roll N Peace is organized by Think Outside da Block, which works to reduce crime in Englewood through youth education and events.

Downtown
March for Us | 10am | Start Jones College Prep (701 S State)  Finish Daley Plaza (50 W Washington St)
It’s not just a March...It’s a Movement! Following the march there will be speakers touching on topics including culture, justice, education, health, and economics from Juneteenth Illinois.