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ENGLEWOOD — In recognition of the 153rd anniversary of African Americans’ “Independence Day” known as “Juneteenth,” several events across the city have been planned to celebrate a momentous day in American history.
The origins of Juneteenth extend all the way back to the end of the Civil War.
According to various accounts, on June 19, 1865, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led soldiers to Galveston, Texas with the announcement that all enslaved people were officially free. This message was essential because in various pockets of the nation word had not spread that the Civil War had to come to an end in early April 1865 with the surrender of Confederate troops in Appomattox, Va.
Prior to Juneteenth President Abraham Lincoln famously delivered an executive order entitled the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862 which was intended to effectively ended American slavery on January 1, 1863, when it took effect.
6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration 2018
This year The Black Mall will have a two-day Juneteenth celebration including an official ceremonial libation, performances, raffles, prizes, speakers, workshops, vendors, food, and more.
Day 1 is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on June 15 at Culture Connection, 400 W. 71st. Day 2 is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on June 16 at National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, 10406 S. Maryland Ave. (Entrance at 817 E. 104th St.).
For more information call 773-357-6154
Juneteenth: Gingarte Capoeira
Instructors from Gingarte Capoeira Chicago are offering a free introductory class to Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art. Prospective attendees are encouraged to wear loose fitting clothes and comfortable shoes.
The hour-long event is scheduled to start at noon on June 16 at Boombox Englewood, 833 W. 63rd St.
For more information visit gingartecapoeira.org.
From Juneteenth to Wakanda at Burnham
Sankofa for the Earth and Sounding Bronzeville will be presenting a free Juneteenth celebration for all ages at Burnham Park.
The celebration is scheduled to start June 16 at 2 p.m. at 1200-5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
For more information visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/juneteenth-wakanda-burnham.
Juneteenth Celebration & Mass Liberation Conversation
In honor of Juneteenth, Vocal Chicago is hosting a panel discussion featuring David Johnson, founding member of R.O.C.C. (A South Suburban Think Tank); Tio Hardiman, president of Violence Interrupters; and Earl Walker, founder/director of G.U.T.S. (Give Up The Streets) with Revin Fellows serving as moderator.
The topics scheduled to be discussed are liberation, slavery, solutions and “1865-2018.” The free community event will include dinner.
Start time is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 19 at Ogden Park Field House, 6500 S. Racine Ave.
To RSVP email getvocalchi@gmail.com.
