In the next week, a variety of different Juneteenth celebrations and activities will take place throughout Champaign-Urbana. Juneteenth has a long history of celebration going back to 1866, one year after enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the last enslaved people in Texas. But since gaining federal recognition in 2021, celebrations of the day have expanded in C-U and in many other cities across the country. Juneteenth celebrates the abolition of slavery and the strength and culture of Black communities, while serving as a reminder of the history and inequalities the U.S. has yet to effectively address. And furthermore, under a political regime that aims to stifle marginalized voices and ban inclusive and equitable programs, it is extremely important to continue to celebrate holidays like Juneteenth and to understand its history. So, without further ado, here is the C-U Juneteenth events calendar:
June 12th
Juneteenth 2025: Reflections and Reverence Ceremony
On Thursday, the City of Urbana is holding “Juneteenth 2025: Reflections and Reverence Ceremony” at Urbana City Hall. The City Hall’s doors will open at 10 a.m. with special programming beginning in the Fire Bay at noon. There will also be area organizations tabling and sharing resources in the City Hall lobby.
June 14th
Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration
Champaign Park District and Champaign Public Library are throwing a Juneteenth celebration at Douglass Park and Douglass Branch Library. After a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Champaign City Manager Joan Walls and the unveiling of a brand new park mural, a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities will take place. There will be several outdoor performances, including music by DJ Silkee, Afro D & Global Soundwaves, and Haki N’ Ther’Up.Y, and a dance performance by Perfect Reflection Dance Team (as well as any party-goers who are looking to get down). There will also be field day games for kids outdoors, in addition to spades, dominoes, and bingo tournaments in the library Annex. Furthermore, the Douglass Branch Library Makerspace will be open, there will be opportunities to win prizes and giveaways, local vendors will be stationed in the Community Center, and food trucks will be available to purchase food from (except for Kona Ice, which will be providing treats for free).
The Main Stage schedule is as follows:
12 to 12:15 p.m.: DJ Silkee/Unveiling of Basketball Court Mural/Emancipation Proclamation Reading
12:15 to 12:30 p.m.: Lift Every Voice and Sing/Perfect Reflection Dance Team
12:30 to 1 p.m.: DJ Silkee
1 to 1:30 p.m.: Afro D & Global Soundwaves
1:30 to 2 p.m.: DJ Silkee
2 to 2:30 p.m.: Haki & Ther’Up.Y
2:30 to 3 p.m.: DJ Silkee/Closing Sentiments/Giveways
The Douglass Annex schedule is as follows:
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Bingo
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Spades
2:30 to 3 p.m.: Dominoes
And outdoor activities include:
12:30 to 1 p.m.: Relay race/sack race/T-ball
1:30 to 2 p.m.: Relay race
This event needs volunteers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so if you’re interested in lending a hand, you can find the volunteer contact information here.
June 17th
Soulful Streets: A Juneteenth Food Truck Festival
A variety of Black-owned local food vendors will be set up on the Illinois Street City of Urbana Lot (near the corner of Vine Street and Illinois Street) from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Grab a delicious late breakfast, lunch, or mid afternoon snack while supporting Black businesses.
Soulful Streets
City of Urbana Lot
Corner of Vine and Illinois St
Urbana
Tu June 17th, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Free
June 18th
Understanding Juneteenth: History, Liberation, and Legacy
June 18th is by far the most packed day for Juneteenth events. The City of Urbana is hosting a day of workshops, interactive activities, and a panel titled “This Legacy: Effective Communicators Required” which will aim to address how we discuss Juneteenth and related topics. From 1 to 3 p.m., there will be presentations on the first Juneteenth in 1865 as well as historical topics pertaining to Urbana. Then, workshops with a specific focus on families will begin at 3 p.m., and the panel at 4 p.m.
Kids’ DIY Juneteenth flag making
At Douglass Branch Library, kids can come learn about the history of the Juneteenth flag (designed by Ben Haith in 1997) and create their own flag (with the book A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor present for inspiration).
Juneteenth Celebration!
The Urbana Free Library and Urbana Park District are hosting a Juneteenth celebration at Prairie Park. There will be live music by New Souls, free food, community art, information about community resources, and UrVANa games.
Illinois Soul Juneteenth Celebration with Talib Kweli
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with Illinois Soul 101.1 FM, is hosting a free Juneteenth performance by rapper Talib Kweli. Kweli first gained recognition in 1997, debuting on the album Doom by Mood, and then alongside Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey) as the duo Black Star. He has also collaborated with Kanye West, Pharrel Williams, Just Blaze, and more, in addition to finding success as a solo artist and even founding his own label, Javotti Media. The talented rapper and lyricist will be performing at Stage 5 in the Krannert Center lobby from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (alongside a cash bar). Attendees will also have the opportunity to win giveaways.
June 19th
Juneteenth Parade
Urbana non-profit The Well Experience is hosting their annual Juneteenth Parade once again this year. The parade will start at 1 p.m. at Philo Road and Colorado Avenue and eventually finish at the Salt and Light parking lot
Juneteenth Concert: Featuring Afro D & Global Soundwaves
On the day of Juneteenth, the socially conscious Champaign-based hip hop/jazz/funk band Afro D & Global Soundwaves will be performing at Douglass Park. Their unique sound, which mixes Black-created music genres, will make for a wonderful show to close out this year’s Juneteenth celebrations.
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