There are several south suburban events commemorating Juneteenth.
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Juneteenth Festival outdoors June 17 in the Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s south parking lot is billed as the largest Chicago Southland Juneteenth celebration.
“Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery,” said Destiny Watson, creator and chairperson of Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival.
“It gives us a chance to celebrate our culture in a positive light as opposed to the stereotypes and reputation that the Black culture gets.”
Organized by Flossmoor-based nonprofit You Matter 2, the festival drew 4,000 people from 15 states in 2022.
“The goal for us is to truly be able to unify the community and (let them) know this isn’t just a holiday for us,” said Watson, who is also You Matter 2’s founder and CEO.
“Other people can take it as an opportunity to learn to support Black-owned business owners and also ask questions and experience our culture in a different way.”
Samantha Thomas hosts the third annual fest, which includes children’s activities, a farmers market, food trucks and entertainment such as dance groups, poets, a Tina Turner impersonator and SandyRedd, who competed on Season 15 of “The Voice.”
“We have a lot more vendors and a lot more activities this year. One of my new favorites is we have a mechanical bull as well as a soft play area for younger kids who may not be able to get on the bigger attractions,” said Watson, a Homewood-Flossmoor High School alumna.
The event in Flossmoor also features “The Faces of Black Americana” art gallery walk sponsored by The Annie F. Lee Art Foundation, which was founded by Abé Ilo, the grandson of the nonprofit’s late namesake who operated Annie Lee & Friends Gallery in Glenwood.
You Matter 2 also organized the second annual Juneteenth Parade beginning at 9 a.m. June 19 in Flossmoor from Western Avenue Elementary, 940 Western Ave., to Parker Junior High, 2810 School St.,
“It’s a nice way to wrap up the whole Juneteenth celebration,” said Watson of Glenwood.
Other Southland Juneteenth events include:
Juneteenth Celebration: Forest Preserves of Cook Country presents this from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 17 at Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland. Admission is free. At 15891 Paxton Ave. 708-868-0606; fpdcc.com.
Juneteenth Celebration: This is from 2 to 8 p.m. June 17 at Robbins Park District Community Center. Admission is free. At 13800 S. Trumbull Ave. 708-577-4752; facebook.com/villageofrobbins
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.Juneteenth 2023: This outdoor event begins at 4 p.m. June 17 at Governors State University’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park in University Park. Admission is free. At 1 University Parkway. 708-534-4021; govst.edu/sculpture.
Juneteenth Weekend: The Summer Concert Series now opens with Will Downing and Phil Perry at 7 p.m. June 17 at Country Club Hills Theater. Tickets are $59-$125. At 4150 W. 183rd St. 708-798-2616; countryclubhills.org.
What’s Crackin? Comedy & Crablegs: This Juneteenth and Father’s Day celebration is at 4 p.m. June 18 at Riddles Comedy Club in Alsip. Tickets are $25 for general admission; $50 for admission with crab legs or chicken (ages 21 and older). At 5055 W. 111th St. 708-422-5055; riddlescomedy.com.
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival
When: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. June 17
Where: Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s south parking lot, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor
Tickets: free general admission; $10 donation welcome; $15 soft play unlimited pass; $35 early bird unlimited activity pass
Information: 708-996-0871; hfjuneteenthfestival.com
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.