Communities in western Illinois and southeast Iowa are preparing Juneteenth celebrations that highlight freedom, history, culture, and community fellowship.
Those celebrations begin this weekend in some communities.
Events in Macomb, Galesburg, Burlington, and Keokuk will feature educational programs, food, music, family activities, and opportunities for reflection on the significance of June 19, 1865 — when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free.
Macomb
Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ will host its 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at 1500 E. Pierce St.
The event will include free food, entertainment, children's activities, vendors, raffles, and educational programming.
This year's theme is “Freedom: Yesterday's Legacy, Today's Promise, Tomorrow's Hope…Because History Matters! June 19, 1865.”
Galesburg
Allen Chapel AME Church, 153 E. Tompkins St., will hold a Juneteenth Soul Food Celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 13.
Guests will receive free soul food on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, and free-will donations will be accepted.
The event will also feature exhibits on the history of Juneteenth and the story of Allen Chapel AME Church, founded in 1853 and recognized as the oldest African American church in Knox County.
The 2nd Annual Miss Knox County Juneteenth Pageant will be held on June 13 at Knox College’s Center for Fine Arts. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the program starts at 5 p.m.
The pageant is a community-focused competitions that empower young African American women by celebrating cultural heritage, leadership, and personal development.
The city of Galesburg Parks and Recreation Department will mark Juneteenth on June 19 at Lakeside Water Park. Games will be held every hour from 2 to 5 p.m., with participation included in regular water park admission.
Burlington
Burlington's Juneteenth Celebration is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at DeEdwin & Gladys White Park.
The free community event will include games, children's activities, homemade food, music, dancing, giveaways, fellowship, and booths hosted by local organizations.
Keokuk
Keokuk's Juneteenth activities include two events on Saturday, June 20. The Keokuk Association for Rights and Equality will host its sixth annual Juneteenth 5K Freedom Run beginning at 8 a.m., with registration opening at 7 a.m. at Rand Park.
Later that evening, the Juneteenth Celebration featuring the Matt Roberts Blues Band will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rand Park Pavilion.
The outdoor concert will include food trucks. Free-will donations will be accepted.
Did we miss any events? Email us at publicradio@wiu.edu
