Rockford Ethnic Museum honors freedom with new Juneteenth exhibit

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – People gathered at Rockford’s Ethnic Heritage Museum for its 2025 Juneteenth celebration.

Rockford Readers Theatre preformed, reading things like the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln and singing song about freedom once shared by slaves.

“It’s really a great celebration because it’s become a federal holiday and it was many, many, many years in the making,” said Dorothy Paige-Turner, director of the performance.

On top of the performance, leaders from the museum showed its new display, featuring artifacts from Rockford’s Juneteenth history.

One wall of the exhibit includes pieces on former Rockford Juneteenth leader Tommy Meeks.

“He did that for 35 years, so we thought with the 160 years of the holiday and the years of service, this would be a perfect time to do an exhibit,” said David Ruffin, Heritage Museum Board of Directors.

Rockford’s first African American Alderman Victory Bell was also at the celebration. He says if people aren’t involved, the historic holiday could go away.

“It’s been a beautiful program; they did an excellent job. In the time were living in now, more people need to be participating,” said Bell.

Ruffin says its beautiful to see so many people from different backgrounds coming to the museum to learn.

“It’s important that we understand the other person’s point of view, through visit the exhibits and other community affairs you get a better understanding of your neighbors,’ said Ruffin.

Though the museums celebration came early, there will be a Juneteenth celebration beginning at 1 p.m. June 19, at Sinnissippi park.