Breaking News: Juneteenth 2024 Celebrations in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois is gearing up for a week-long celebration of Juneteenth 2024, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. With a range of events from June 12 to June 19, the city invites everyone to join in the festivities and honor this historic milestone.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy learned of their freedom. It has been recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, celebrating the resilience and contributions of the Black community.
Springfield’s Juneteenth Events
Springfield is hosting a variety of events to celebrate Juneteenth, including a pageant, panel discussions, a parade, and more. Many of these events are free and open to the public, offering a chance for everyone to participate and learn.
Thursday, June 12
The festivities kick off with the Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Pageant at Southeast High School’s auditorium at 6 p.m. This event encourages the youth to express their values, talents, and diverse backgrounds, with scholarships offered to the winners.
Friday, June 13
A Lunch and Learn Panel Discussion titled “Freeish: The Resiliency of Black History Beyond Erasures” will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Illinois State Museum. This event, created in partnership with Juneteenth Inc., aims to explore the rich history and resilience of the Black community.
Saturday, June 14
The weekend begins with a Unity Parade at 10 a.m., followed by activities at Comer Cox Park. The parade steps off at Martin Luther King Drive and Brown Street, with an opening ceremony at the park at 11 a.m. A basketball tournament and a Car & Bike Show will also take place throughout the day.
Sunday, June 15
Continue the celebration with a Stop the Violence Community Panel at One in a Million Inc. Community Resource Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This panel discussion aims to give youth a space to talk about their concerns with community violence and find ways to support each other.
Tuesday, June 17
The great-grandson of civil rights icon Ida B. Wells, Dan Duster, will speak at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum at 6:30 p.m. The event, titled “Leading WELLS: Lessons in Courage and Leadership from Ida B. Wells,” will highlight Wells’ struggles and triumphs to inspire people to stand up against injustice.
Wednesday, June 18
Youth Day at The Outlet is set for 2 p.m., offering a resource day with mentors and employment opportunities for young people, along with food vendors.
Thursday, June 19
The Freedom Walk at Lincoln Land Community College will take place at 8:30 a.m., followed by a light continental breakfast and a documentary-style video about Opal Lee, known as the grandmother of Juneteenth. Additionally, there will be free admission to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on this day.
Evergreen Information: The Significance of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is more than just a holiday; it is a symbol of freedom, resilience, and unity. It reminds us of the long struggle for equality and the ongoing efforts to achieve it. By celebrating Juneteenth, we honor the past and look towards a future where everyone can live freely and equally.
Get Involved and Stay Informed
Join the Springfield community in celebrating Juneteenth 2024. Attend the events, learn about the history, and support the initiatives aimed at building a stronger, more inclusive community. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates and more stories about the people and events that shape our world.





