Working in parallel with Evanston Present and Future, the City of Evanston will honor Juneteenth with the sixth annual Juneteenth Parade and Celebrations on Saturday, June 21.

Credit: City of Evanston

Juneteenth, also referred to as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americas and is observed every year on June 19. This federal holiday serves as a celebration, remembrance and reflection.

Freedom Parade

Kick off the celebration by watching or joining the Freedom Parade, stepping off at 11 a.m. from its new starting point at Dempster St. and Dodge Ave. The parade will head north to Ingraham Park and feature local organizations, schools, nonprofits, marching groups, floats, the Jesse White Tumblers, South Shore Drill Team and more. There are many ways to participate:

A Divine Nine Juneteenth Legacy Celebration

Following the parade, community members are invited to come together for the annual Juneteenth Day of Celebration from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at Ingraham Park. This vibrant event will honor the history, achievements, and future of Black Americans through art, music, culture and community connection. This event will feature:

  • Award presentations by Evanston Present and Future.
  • Guest speakers, including a representative from Evanston’s historic Divine Nine (D9) Black Greek-letter organizations.
  • A live concert performance of The Cooke Book: The Music of Sam Cooke, featuring Darrian Ford.
  • Spoken word artists, stepping and strolling by the D9, Ayodele Drum & Dance and more.
  • A Playzone for kids, D9 Scavenger Hunt, face painting, and dozens of artisan and food vendors.

This free community event promises joy, learning, music, culture, and a renewed commitment to unity. Come out and celebrate Juneteenth with Evanston!