Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) is when enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas learned they were free. The news erupted into a history-making celebration known as “Juneteenth.” The formerly enslaved African Americans rejoiced and declared that day “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or Juneteenth (“June” plus “nineteenth”).
It was nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation that enslaved Texans learned that they were in fact free. That hopeful day in June marked the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom.
Juneteenth celebrates and commemorates Black culture and reinforces Black history as American history. Juneteenth creates space for education, advocacy, and healing. Celebrating Juneteenth provides a unifying platform for all Americans to celebrate our common bond of freedom.
In 2008, along with a group of community residents, Mayor Rory Hoskins founded the Annual Forest Park Juneteenth Pool Party. Since then, the annual event has energized other surrounding communities to host their own celebrations in honor of Juneteenth’s historical significance.
Learn More About Juneteenth
What is Juneteenth: a guide to activism and advocacy
Illinois House Passes Juneteenth Holiday Bill (May 2021)
So You Want to Learn about Juneteenth? by Derrick Bryson Taylor
This June 15, 2020 New York Times article outlines what Juneteenth is, its history, how it is celebrated, as well as its importance in 2020.
History of Juneteenth
The Juneteenth.com is a comprehensive site with historical information as well as a collection of Juneteenth events.
Why Celebrating Juneteenth is More Important Now than Ever by P.R. Lockhart
This 2018 VOX article includes a discussion with Karlos Hill, professor of African American studies at the University of Oklahoma and the author of Beyond the Rope: The Impact of Lynching on Black Culture and Memory on why Juneteenth is an important holiday.
What is Juneteenth, How Is It Celebrated, and Why Does it Matter? by Jameelah Nasheed
This 2019 Teen Vogue article outlines the history of Juneteenth, how it is celebrated, and why.
Juneteenth Events
At the Library
Family Art & Flo Class with Artist Tara Levy
Friday, June 12 at 4 pm
Sign Up
Juneteenth Soundbath
Thursday, June 18 at 6 pm
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Popelka Park Storytime with Author Deanna Barnes
Friday, June 19 at 11 am
Sign Up
Cookout! A Celebration of Poetry, Food, and Family (this event has been cancelled)
Sunday, June 28 at 2 pm
In the Community
Forest Park Flag Raising
Monday, June 1 at 11:30 am
Forest Park Village Hall
517 Des Plaines Ave, Forest Park, IL
Forest Park Juneteenth Pool Party
Saturday, June 13 from 7-10 pm
Park District of Forest Park Aquatic Center
7501 Harrison St, Forest Park, IL