When the Declaration of Independence was ratified on July 4, 1776, black Americans were still enslaved. For many African Americans, celebrating the Fourth of July as the day Americans became free from British rule feels inapplicable since our ancestors were not free.
Enter Juneteenth, the annual holiday — which has yet to become a national holiday, although it is recognized by many states in some capacity — that honors the end of slavery.
On June 19, 1865, Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed numerous slaves that the Civil War had ended with the Union’s victory, and that they were now free. This news was delivered more than 21/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation order.
For 155 years, black Americans have observed the day with specific cultural foods, parades, and the ever-popular family cookout, among many other activities. Celebrating the holiday this year has felt imperative for a lot of African Americans given the recent deaths of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many more. But with COVID-19 keeping gatherings to 10 or fewer people in Illinois until the next phase, many groups have had to find alternative ways to honor the day.
Here are a few of the celebrations happening throughout the city and surrounding area, and online.
Million Man March: Celebrate the end of slavery and speak out against the injustices still happening to the black community by walking in this march from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. The march will start near Jones College Prep School and end at Daley Plaza. Find more information on the event’s Facebook page.
The Free Black Children’s Library: To continue its mission of engaging black children with activism and social justice through art and literature, Brown Books and Paintbrushes created this summer pop-up series to accept donations of children’s books featuring black authors and illustrators. The series, which was inspired by The Free Black Women’s Library, is slated to start Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Harold Washington Cultural Center. Watch the organization’s Instagram page for more announcements and details.
A New Freedom: Black Voices Honoring Juneteenth in a Time of Struggle: Hosted by the renowned Chicago Children’s Choir, this free online concert will feature music and spoken word performances from black CCC alumni. The concert can be livestreamed on the choir’s Facebook page and its YouTube channel on Friday at 6 p.m.
Chicago Peace and Equality Juneteenth Rally & Celebration 2020: Join this peaceful demonstration to celebrate the end of slavery, as well as acknowledge the black lives lost to the hands of law enforcement, among others. There will be snacks and water. The first 1,000 people will receive a Juneteenth T-shirt and mask. Meet at 2400 S. State St. at 6 p.m.; march begins a half hour later. Learn more here.
Virtual Juneteenth Journey Through African American History and Forum: This virtual experience will explore major moments in African American history and showcase live performers. It will also include a forum to discuss the current movement. Monetary donations of your choice are required to receive event information. Friday at 6 p.m. Get tickets on eventbrite here.
Roll N Peace 5: Think Outside Da Block, a nonprofit that aims to support youth through engaging activities, is using its fifth cycling tour event to celebrate Juneteenth. The group uses cycling to promote overall wellness and a decrease in violence in the Englewood community. Meet in Englewood Square at Engine Company 84 on Friday. Registration is from 4 to 7 p.m. The cycle ride begins at 8 p.m. Text ROLLNPEACE to 474747 for more details.
Black Lives Matter Radio: Tune in to WVON 1690 AM from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and listen to Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, the lead pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Washington Heights, take over the station with special guests, ranging from Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx to author and professor Michael Eric Dyson. Topics and guests will change every hour.
Juneteenth 2020 Census and Free Lunch Giveaway: Head over to South Central Community Services, a broad-ranging social service agency, for a Juneteenth celebration Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at South Central Community Services at 83rd Street and Ellis Avenue. There will be free Italian food as well as details on the importance of the 2020 Census and sign-ups. Make sure you get there early as all supplies are on a first-come, first-served basis until they’re gone.
Interfaith March and Rally: On Friday, Grant Park will be the site of an interfaith peaceful protest. Organized by Chris Harris, pastor of Bright Star Church in Bronzeville, the march will begin at noon, starting at Columbus and Roosevelt, and end in Grant Park. For more details and to register, go here.
Juneteenth Freedom Bike Ride: Starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, riders will meet in front of Wintrust Arena’s main entrance at 200 E. Cermak Road and ride south to 436 E. 47th St., where there will be light refreshments and a cash bar. Learn more here.
Black Lives Matter Block Party: This educational event is put on by a group of students from Highland Park High School. The event will happen in Highland Park’s Sunset Woods Park from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday. There will be booths for voter registration, petition signing, mental health resources, and teaching children about race and equality. Everything is free.
This story has been updated to correct a reference to the official end of slavery in the United States.
