Malcolm X. College celebrates Junete

Includes scholarship reception, panels, family enter tainment

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ and IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporters

Malcolm X. Colle ge, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., will hold a two-day Juneteenth celebration this weekend.

Now in its third year, the festival is organized by a group of Cook County commissioners, state and federal representatives and aldermen that mostly represent the South and West sides of Chicago, including Commissioner Dennis Deer (2nd), Alds. Monique Scott (24th) and Walter Burnett (27th) and Cong. Danny Davis (D-7).

On the evening of June 16, Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson will speak at the Juneteenth Scholarship Reception at the 540 W. Madison St. building rooftop. The evening’s program includes a showcase of youth leadership in the arts with African dance, a drumline, soulful music, the annual “Divine 9 roll call,” and great food.

On June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the colle ge will host panel discussions, a resource fair and a blood drive. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will give opening remarks, followed by panels on health equity, criminal justice reform, Black en- form and bring awareness to the Black community,” Thompson said. “We have a culture too and we should honor that and respect that space.”

As a Black leader, T hompson said it was important to her to continue to carry on the conversations relating to things that impact the Black community, including their culture and support for one another.

“As we look at how we recycle our own dollars in the Black community, how we embrace with love and kindness, how we support each other, not just in local business but for each other,” T hompson said. “In gover nment, in our education system. We should be talking about these things.”

T hompson, who will be at the event, said she is looking forward to supporting the local vendors and small businesses which will be participating in the festivities

“Entrepreneurship and economic development is a big deal and how we get our homebased businesses or our small business to the next level, we should be highlighting that,” Thompson said. “I am excited for that.” trepreneurship and investing. A family entertainment event will kick at 3 p.m. with performances Kells the Artist, Bobbi Ponder, Sean Black, D’Moment and others.

Celebrations for the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival will take place at Schroeder Park with free parking available on the west side of the Target Store in Broadview Village Square.

The events are free and open to the public, but pre-re gistration is encouraged.

For more information, visit www.JuneteenthIllinois.com g. A ick off s by er, d