by Sean Valentin, CARPLS Communications Coordinator
June 19th marks Juneteenth, the day America celebrates freedom for all people. Here at CARPLS, we work to address the inequities in the justice system, which oftentimes unfairly impact people of color.
The New Leaf Program, for instance, helps clients with the expungement of certain drug-related charges. People of color and the economically disenfranchised are unfairly impacted by efforts like the “war on drugs,” and CARPLS works with its partners and clients to make meaningful strides in correcting these inequities.
There is still much work to do, and we stand with our partners and community members in striving for equity. Join us in celebrating Juneteenth this year by viewing a roundup of events in the Chicagoland area!
Cultural Events:
- North Lawndale History Tour
- Chicago urban historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas leads the 2-hour bus tour, which will stop at important landmarks and cultural sites that show North Lawndale’s effect on Chicago
- They Not Like Us: Art, Music and Community, A Celebration of Juneteenth
- Saturday, June 15th from 12pm-4pm at the Pose Cultural Art Center
- Over 150 artists showcasing their work as well as live music
- Online booking required for everyone
- Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution at Court Theatre
- Runs through June 16th at the Court Theatre in Hyde Park
- Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution tells the story of civil rights activist Kwame Ture
- Juneteenth Paddle Canoeing the African American River Trail
- June 16th, 9 am-6 pm
- Along this trip, you’ll have an interpretation of the African American Water Heritage Trail down the Little Calumet River
- No experience is necessary; this is beginner-friendly
Neighborhood Festivals:
- Unity Rising: Bronzeville’s 2024 Juneteenth Celebration
- Saturday, June 15th
- Keynote speakers include Alderman Lamont Robinson, Political Pioneer Ms. Delmarie Cobb, Bronzeville Historian Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, and performing artists from the Chicagoland area
- The event will highlight youth and adult creative artists as well as local small businesses with a lot of fun and educational activities
- It will feature an array of performances, including live music, dance, spoken word, and more, showcasing the talent and diversity of the community
- 1865 Fest in Garfield Park
- June 14th-16th
- Educational workshops, live music, and free food
- Father’s Day grilling contest on June 16th
- Juneteenth Family Festival
- June 15th, 12pm-7pm
- The Beverly/Morgan Park Juneteenth Family Festival aims to honor ancestors, celebrate African and African-American cultural heritage, unite the diverse community, and connect Chicago residents with resources and services
- There will be music, African dance, family sports and activities, food, vendors, and a whole lot more
- CARPLS/New Leaf will have a table there
- New Leaf will be there to answer any questions about the cannabis expungement process. If you have ever been arrested for cannabis anywhere in Illinois, you can begin the process of clearing your record here
- FarSouth Juneteenth Festival
- June 15th, 12 pm-5 pm
- There will be food from local Black-owned restaurants, family activities, a resource vendor fair, and a small business marketplace featuring everything from beauty products to fashion
- CARPLS will have a vendor table at the event
- CARPLS will be presenting a housing related workshop
- Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival
- One of Chicago’s biggest Juneteenth gatherings
- Parade Day June 19th at 9 am
- Festival Day June 15th, 11 am-6:30 pm
- Will include food, live music, dance, and more
- Juneteenth Village Fest
- June 15th 12pm-8pm at Douglas Park
- FREE family-fun festival with main stage performances, rides, games, food, and more!
Free Events:
- Juneteenth Jubilee & Resource Fair
- June 15th 12pm-2:30pm
- The Fair will host a variety of community partners with informational tables set up around the event space
- There will be free games, prizes, a free barber, food, and live entertainment including a DJ ensuring fun for everyone!
- Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market at The Promontory
- June 19th 2pm-7pm
- The marketplace will feature various businesses and industries from beauty to fashion. Food vendors will be on-site
- Juneteenth Freedom Market
- June 19th 4pm-10pm at the Salt Shed
- A marketplace of 50+ local Black-owned businesses and creators, selling everything from home goods, beauty products, one-of-a-kind fashions, and more
- Curated sounds, including DJ sets from Slot A, Ryan The Person, and Cut Cuz and a performance by Shawnee Dez
- Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom
- June 19th 10am-8pm at the Dusable Black History and Education Center
- Features musical performances, children’s activities, local vendors, food trucks, and more
