In equal measure, celebration and reflection were at the heart of this weekend’s Juneteenth event in Skokie.
Brian Williams, a founding member of Skokie United, said organizers were excited to hold the third annual Skokie Community Juneteenth event, a celebration of Emancipation or Freedom Day, at Oakton Park, from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
In addition to a celebration, Juneteenth is meant to acknowledge past wrongs against Black Americans, and bring to light some of the history and traditions of Emancipation or Freedom Day, a holiday, officially observed on June 19th, commemorating June 19, 1865, marking the end of slavery in the United States, organizers say.
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“This year’s theme Love, Liberation, Life, provided activities and engagement opportunities for all ages,” Williams said.
Under the leadership of Skokie United, Skokie Juneteenth was the result of a partnership between Niles Township High School District 219, Skokie-Morton Grove District 69, the Skokie Public Library, the Skokie Park District, and the Village of Skokie, with sponsorship and support from Oakton Community College, Northshore University Health Systems, and Niles Township.
the third annual Skokie Community Juneteenth event, a celebration of
Emancipation or Freedom Day, at Oakton Park June 17, 2023.
“The afternoon’s activities were free and family-friendly, meant to raise up and highlight our African-American community, and to include other races and communities, for everyone to celebrate Juneteenth and to be part of the celebration together,” Mary Amato, assistant superintendent of recreation for the Skokie Park District, said.
In addition to highlights of culture, music and entertainment, local food vendors and 14 area businesses were also featured.
Pat McPherson of Evanston attended with family.
“It’s important to showcase new area businesses and to bring neighbors and family together for a safe and fun Juneteenth celebration,” McPherson said.
Lauren Hammond of Evanston also attended with family.
vendors and 14 area businesses were also featured during the third annual
Skokie Community Juneteenth event, a celebration of Emancipation or Freedom
Day, at Oakton Park June 17, 2023.
“Community events like this show our kids, especially, examples of what success in the Black community looks like,” Hammond said. “I wish I would have had that growing up; it would have made such a huge difference.”
The crowd was welcomed by April Stallworth, executive director of communications and partnerships for Niles Township High School District 219, joined by Anisa Sebaggala, a rising senior at Niles West High School.
Stallworth acknowledged indigenous peoples who formerly resided on Skokie lands, including the Peoria, Potawatomi, Myaamia, Ochethi Sakowin, Ho-Chunk, and Kickapoo tribes.
Nancy Kim Phillips, community engagement manager of the Skokie Public Library, said it was important for the library to participate.
“The library is a place of education and belonging, we need to learn about the significance of Juneteenth, and join our community in celebrating equity, a key part of belonging,” Phillips said.
Emancipation or Freedom Day, at Oakton Park June 17, 2023.
The Juneteenth program included the Black national anthem and gospel performances by Bessie Simmons, African Drums by Tony Garrett, storytime with Nonku Kunene Adumetey, the Magic of WhoSay, Juneteenth Proclamation presented by Skokie mayor, George Van Dusen, a keynote address by Cherese Ledet, CEO of YWCA Evanston North Shore, performances by the South Shore Drill Team, with DJ Corey Bless and EGO Sound Company performances throughout the day.