(WIFR) – Multiple celebrations are taking place in the stateline to mark Juneteenth.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom, a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, was declared a federal holiday.
Rockford’s Juneteenth celebration will take place from 1-9 p.m. on June 19 at Sinnissippi Park, 1300 N. 2nd Street. The event is the longest-running Juneteenth celebration in the state of Illinois.
See below for a list of Juneteenth events happening in the region:
Rising Queens Juneteenth Celebration in Beloit, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. June 15
Where: Jones Pavillion – Riverside Park, 1160 Riverside Dr., Beloit
What: This is the fourth annual Juneteenth Day Beloit event. Rising Queens Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides equitable resources to the low-income community members by eliminating barriers to help make it easier for them to create self-sustaining lives. This features a diverse lineup of entertainment, speakers, and talented performers. Rising Queens encourages everyone to unite in “Embrace, Celebrate, Educate, and Empower” to honor the diversity and heritage of Beloit, WI.
Cost: Free
For More: Visit the City of Beloit website
YWCA Rock County & The Elite Ladies Juneteeth Celebration, 12-8 p.m. June 15
Where: Telfer Park, 92101 Cranston Rd, Beloit
What: This event will celebrate the history behind Juneteenth. There will be food vendors, product/service vendors and non-profit vendors.
Cost: Free
For More: Visit the YWCA website
New Hope Juneteenth Celebration in DeKalb, 12-4 p.m. June 15
Where: Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb
What: New Hope is celebrating their fourth annual Juneteenth community celebration in DeKalb. Event will feature social services information, vendors, food, music, games and more. The sponsors for this event are Project H.O.P.E., The Rock Christian Church, NIU Center for Black Studies, Dekalb County Illinois Democratic Party, and M6:8.
Cost: Free
For More: Visit New Hope Juneteenth event page
Juneteenth Cultural Festival in Elgin, 1-9 p.m. June 15
Where: Festival Park, 132 S Grove Ave, Elgin
What: The African-American Coalition of Kane County is hosting a Juneteenth event in Elgin celebrating freedom and African-American culture through food, history, arts and entertainment for the entire family.
Cost: Free
For More: Visit the AACKC website
McHenry County Juneteenth Festival, 3-6 p.m. June 15
Where: Historic Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St, Woodstock
What: This event will be about celebrating a day of freedom and empowerment. The festival will include inspiring speakers, live entertainment, community exhibitors, music and dance, food and drinks and family fun. Some highlights for this year are Moya Dance Troupe and Drummers, Ken Davis and his band and Darlene Benton.
Cost: Free
For More: Visit the McHenry County Juneteenth Organization website
Zions Juneteenth Worship Celebration, 9:15 a.m. June 16
Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 925 Fifth Avenue, Rockford
What: Zion Lutheran Church will be hosting a Juneteenth worship celebration. The celebration will continue over to Patriots Gateway Community Center, 615 S 5th St, Rockford, to hear about the history, and celebrate with music from The Music Academy of Rockford, Carl Cole, and some of the WOW kids.
Cost: Free
For More: Visit the event Facebook page
Rockford Juneteenth Celebration, 1-9 p.m., June 19
Where: Sinnissippi Park, 1300 N 2nd Street, Rockford
What: Rockford’s Juneteenth 1865 celebration is the longest running Juneteenth celebration in Illinois. Rockford’s 34th Juneteenth celebration will highlight different guest speakers, a talent show, giveaways, and three headlining performances from the Serenity Band, Too Deep and Con Funk Shun. There will also be a Legacy & Community Awards.
Cost: Free
For More: Visit the Juneteenth section of the Rockford Park district website
The Color Purple at Starlight Theatre, show opens 8 p.m. June 19
Where: Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Rd, Rockford
What: Starlight Theatre is putting on a production of The Color Purple, with the show’s opening date taking place on Juneteenth. Performances will go on until July 24.
Cost: $6 – $19
For More: Visit the Starlight Theatre section on Rock Valley College website
Elevated Voices Juneteenth Art Celebration and Cook Out, 1-8 p.m. June 22
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Rd., Freeport
What: Elevated Voices is hosting their 3rd annual Juneteenth event. The event is to highlight, celebrate and educate the community on history and culture. There will be local artists, food, vendors, and activities for all ages.
Cost: Free
For More: Visit the event Facebook page, Elevated Voices website or call at 815-524-1183
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