Juneteenth Celebrations Near Oak Park (Updated 2024)

Juneteenth celebrates the freeing of all formerly enslaved people in the United States at the end of the Civil War. Many people think that President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery. Still, freedom did not come for all until June 19, 1865, when the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved Black people in the state were now free.

For more than 150 years, African American communities across the country have celebrated freedom and the end of slavery with family reunions and cookouts. This event has long been regarded as an important milestone in African American history and the early struggle for civil rights.

As Juneteenth's importance gains more recognition across the country, many communities are organizing festivals and events to celebrate this historic day. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of Juneteenth and provide an overview of the celebrations in the near west suburbs.

The History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth has its roots in the history of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, signed two and a half years earlier. This day became known as Juneteenth, a combination of "June" and "nineteenth."

Today, Juneteenth is recognized as an important cultural event in communities nationwide. The holiday commemorates the end of slavery and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to American culture and society. Juneteenth is celebrated with parades, festivals, and other community events, often featuring music, food, and historical reenactments. It is a time to reflect on the struggles of the past, celebrate the progress made, and recommit to the work of achieving full equality and justice for all.

Juneteenth Celebrations Near Oak Park

Oak Park

The entire community is invited to join in Oak Park's celebration of Juneteenth, with this year's theme being "Remembering OUR History and Claiming OUR Future." The events promise to honor the past while looking forward to a brighter future for all.

Flag Raising Ceremony

Oak Park's Juneteenth festivities begin with a flag-raising ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, in the courtyard at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. This free event will feature inspiring speakers, refreshments, and more, creating a meaningful start to the celebration. The community is encouraged to attend and participate.

What: Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony

When: June 12 - 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Village Hall Courtyard Oak Park

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Community Cookout

The entire community is invited to a Juneteenth community cookout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the south lawn of Village Hall, 123 Madison St. This free event will feature a vendor market, music, and, of course, delicious food. More details will be announced soon, so check the website below for more information!

What: Juneteenth Community Cookout

When: June 15 - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Village Hall South Lawn

Click here for more information!

Broadview

Juneteenth Celebration

Broadview, IL, is hosting a vibrant three-day Juneteenth celebration from June 14th to 16th at Schroeder Park. The festivities kick off with live music and a youth night, setting a lively tone for the weekend. The celebration continues with a Freedom Festival featuring various activities and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. On Sunday, there will be an Empowerment Church gathering, offering a moment of reflection and unity. Everyone is invited to join in, learn, and explore the significance of Juneteenth through these engaging and educational events.

What: Juneteenth Celebration

When: June 14th - 16th

Where: Schroeder Park

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Forest Park

Juneteenth Fair

The Juneteenth Fair at the Forest Park Public Library, located at 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park, IL, will spotlight Black authors, creators, artists, and small business owners. This free event, taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 8, 2024, will feature book giveaways for children and refreshments. It's an excellent opportunity for the community to celebrate and support Black talent and entrepreneurship.

What: Juneteenth Fair

When: June 8th - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Forest Park Library

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Maywood

Let’s Grow Together

"Let's Grow Together" is a community wellness event and Juneteenth celebration taking place on Saturday, June 8th, at Proviso East High School. The event will feature music, vendors, food, and a strong sense of community. It's an excellent opportunity for everyone to come together, celebrate, learn, and promote wellness.

What: Let’s Grow Together Wellness Festival and Juneteenth Celebration

When: June 8th - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Proviso East High School

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National Freedom Day & The Exchange Ceremony

National Freedom Day will be commemorated with an Exchange Ceremony featuring food, entertainment, and fun for the entire community. Attendees can enjoy a “Reflections of the Past” tour, pop-up vendors, and a special guest speaker, HRM Togbi Nyaho Tamakloe VI of the Anlo Kingdom, Volta Region - Ghana. This event promises a rich blend of cultural exchange, historical reflection, and community celebration, making it a memorable occasion for all who attend.

What: National Freedom Day and the Exchange Ceremony

When: June 22nd

Where: The Operation Uplift Grounds

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Village of Maywood Flag Raising Ceremony

The Village of Maywood will host the Celebrate Freedom Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 17th, at the Maywood Police Station. Open to the public, this event invites visitors to share in Maywood's mission of "honoring the past, celebrating progress, and building on the promise."

What: Celebrate Freedom Flag Raising Ceremony

When: June 17th

Where: Maywood Police Station

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Westchester

The two-day Juneteenth celebration in Westchester, IL, begins on Wednesday, June 19, with a freedom walk and flag-raising ceremony. The walk starts at Broadview Missionary Baptist Church and proceeds to Westchester Village Hall, where participants can explore the Juneteenth Traveling Museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the museum and learn more about the significance of Juneteenth. Registration for the walk is encouraged.

The festivities continue on Saturday, June 22,, with a community celebration at Gladstone Park in Westchester. This event is a day filled with music, food, and fun for all.

What: 2-Day Juneteenth Celebration

When: June 19th & 22th

Where: Walk Start - Broadview Missionary Baptist Church | Community Celebration - Gladstone Park

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