(WREX) — Juneteenth is coming up, meaning preparations are underway in several communities across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin to celebrate.

Juneteenth is officially recognized on June 19, the day in 1865 when the last African American slaves in Confederate states were freed. Juneteenth was officially made a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Below is a list of local events over the next couple of weekends and on Juneteenth itself on Thursday, June 19, to celebrate.

Don’t see an event listed? Email us with details: news@wrex.com

Ethnic Heritage Museum, Rockford

The Ethnic Heritage Museum is set to host a two-day Juneteenth Celebration on June 14 and 15.

Tommy Meeks, the Rockford Juneteenth Chairman, will be honored on June 14 at 1 p.m. for his 35 years of dedication to organizing Rockford’s longtime celebration of Juneteenth.

Initially held at Levings Lake Park, the event has grown and moved to Sinnissippi Park, now featuring local talent, businesses, music, and community awards and celebration. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, June 19.

Guests speakers at the event will include Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, State Rep. Maurice West, State Sen. Steve Stadelman, and Rockford Alderwoman Gina Meeks.

The program honoring Tommy Meeks and his wife, Evelyn, is free to the public, with donations appreciated. Light refreshments will be provided.

On June 15, the Rockford Reader’s Theatre will present a history of Juneteenth from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m. Directed by Dorothy Paige-Turner, the performance will include narration, poetry, and songs used by slaves to lead them to freedom.

Performers on Sunday will include Coleen Martin Williams, Carl Towns, Janet Wright, Wendell Thompson, and Jackie Rogers. The theatre performance is also free, supported by the Rockford Area Arts Council, but donations to the Rockford Reader’s Theatre are also appreciated.

The Heritage Museum Park is located at 1129 S. Main St. The campus is handicap accessible, with parking available in the lot on the corner of S. Main and Morgan Sts.

For more information, visit the Ethnic Heritage Museum’s website or call 815-962-7402.

Riverside Park, Beloit

Rising Queens is set to host a Juneteenth Day celebration on June 14, at Jones Pavilion in Riverside Park in Beloit. The event will feature cultural festivities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with plenty of music, food, and local vendors to enjoy.

The celebration aims to foster community empowerment and unity, with youth performances adding to the festivities. The event highlights the significance of Juneteenth in the region.

The gospel quartet group Worthy will be along those performing at the Juneteenth program in Riverside Park. The female gospel quartet, managed by Bennie Gordon and Anthony Barnett, is scheduled to begin at 11:10 a.m.

The Jones Pavilion at Riverside Park is located at 1160 Riverside Dr. in Beloit.

Sinnissippi Park, Rockford

Rockford’s Juneteenth Celebration, the longest-running Juneteenth event in Illinois, is set to mark its 35th year on Thursday, June 19, at Sinnissippi Park.

Produced by community leader Tommy Meeks, the event will feature food and retail vendors, local performances, historical storytelling, a Community Awards Ceremony, and a talent show. Festivities begin at 1:00 p.m.

A notable addition this year is a partnership with Hard Rock Casino Rockford, which will host a free concert by the funk band Lakeside, known for hits like “Fantastic Voyage.” The concert is for guests aged 21 and older and starts at 8:30 p.m. Free tickets are available at the Hard Rock Casino Box office on Fridays and Saturdays or during the Juneteenth Celebration.

Tommy Meeks, who will be recognized at the Rockford Heritage Museum for his work in organizing Rockford’s Juneteenth celebrations, emphasizes the importance of the local event.

“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and determination of the black community and our allies,” Meeks says. “We invite everyone of all backgrounds to join in on this community celebration.”

For more details on the event, including a list of performances, visit the Rockford Park District website or follow the official Rockford Juneteenth Celebration Facebook page.

An Elevated Gala, Freeport

Instead of a Juneteenth event, Elevated Voices in Freeport is hosting “An Elevated Gala” on Saturday, June 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Masonic Temple’s Crystal Room.

Elevated Voices announced the cancellation of its 4th Annual Juneteenth Art Celebration back in May, citing a significant drop in participation from vendors, sponsors, and community leaders as the primary reason for this decision.

“An Elevated Gala” will feature live performances, a curated art exhibit, food from Rapped With Smoke BBQ and Marcus Evans, and a silent auction.

Elevated Voices encourages community members to participate in building a supportive space for youth and young adults.

Tickets for the gala are available here. For more information about Elevated Voices, check out their Facebook page.

Sterling

The Sauk Valley Diversity Alliance is set to host a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center in Sterling.

The event aims to honor the history and significance of Juneteenth while fostering a sense of unity and reflection within the community.

This year’s celebration is themed “Reclaiming the past, Remembering those that came before us, and Reshaping the future,” and promises a day filled with activities and community spirit.

This family-friendly event is free and will feature music, poetry, and a variety of vendors. Attendees can enjoy free food and participate in fun activities and giveaways.

A live DJ will provide entertainment, and a 50/50 raffle offers a chance to win.

The Grandon Civic Center is located at 304 Brinks Cir. in Sterling.

Telfer Park, Beloit

The YWCA Rock County will host a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21, from noon to 8 p.m. at Telfer Park.

Angelica Chapman Sykes will emcee the event, featuring a keynote address by Pastor Sherrick Anderson. Attendees can enjoy musical performances from a variety of local groups, including the Community Children’s Choir, Men of Fountain and Hobsons, Treasure Trove Cheerleading Squad, The Johnathon Garrett Experiment, The Rhythm Section, and RED (Ready Every Day).

Food vendors such as Gibby’s Soulfood & BBQ, Kona Ice of Rock County, and Cookie Kitchen will be available to provide refreshments. The YWCA Rock County, known for its commitment to empowering women and promoting racial justice, encourages the community to join in the festivities.

Telfer Park is located at 2101 Cranston Rd. in Beloit.

DeKalb

The New Hope Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Juneteenth Community Celebration at Hopkins Park in DeKalb from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 22.

The free event will feature fun activities for the whole family, food, music, dancing, and local social services on hand.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church is still accepting looking for vendors and social service providers. Those interested in participating can register for $25 by Thursday, June 19, through their website.

Hopkins Park is located at 1403 Sycamore Rd. in DeKalb