AWN_Juneteenth_061224

JUNETEENTH 2024

Austin Weekly News, June 12, 2024

Juneteenth2024

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12 Austin Weekly News, June 12, 2024

JUNETEENTH 2024

For Rep. Danny Davis, Juneteenth is ‘a holiday of movement’

The U.S. congressman won’t rest that day despite his years of work pushing for national recognition of Juneteenth

Obama, who was then a senator, introduced legislation in 2005. And Davis and cosponsors tried again in 2008.

In 2021, he spoke from the House floor during the vote.

“Madam Speaker,” he said, “I rise in strong support of the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday to celebrate the ending of the most horrific period and the most horrific policy and practices this NaBy MICHAEL BANIEWICZ tion has ever known: slavery. I heard one Contributing Reporter of my colleagues suggest a moment ago that perhaps the cost of Juneteenth is not While U.S. Congressman Danny Da- known. I guarantee you, Madam Speaker, vis was growing up in the small town of that whatever the cost, it will not come close Parkdale in Arkansas, Juneteenth was an to the cost of slavery.” annual celebration for him and his family.

“Juneteenth” he added, “is the recogHe was told that day was his “real nition that darkness can come to light and Fourth of July.” that there is a celebraHe and his family tion as my forefathers would spend part of the and -mothers struggled day sharing a large to endure the horror meal, and after they finthey experienced. So, ished, he would spend celebrating Juneteenth time reading outside. as a national holiday is Now, Davis said, Junesimply an idea whose teenth is a time for people time has come.” in the United States to Today, Davis said, for reflect on the history surU.S. CONGRESSMAN DANNY DAVIS progress to be made, rounding the federal holione has to understand day. There are some paraltheir history and how lels between the post-Civil they got here.

War, reconstruction era “If you don’t know where you come and the current times, Davis said. from, you won’t understand to know how “The progress, the policies…getting rid you got to where you are,” Davis said. of martial law which protected Blacks “Then you don’t have a good prognosis for in the South…getting rid of all that, where you ought to be going. Individuals seems to me to be what some are trying look to what has been done and how peoto do right now,” Davis said. “That some ple managed to do it. It was blood, sweat of the protections of affirmative action. and tears, it was hard work. It was serious Some of the protections of laws to protect effort, but if those efforts don’t continue rights of individuals.” then you don’t go any further.”

Long before President Joe Biden signed The holiday also highlights that there a bill in 2021 that made Juneteenth the is still work to be done for equality and 11th American federal holiday — and the equity, Davis said. first since 1983, when Martin Luther King “There is a possibility that all men and Jr. Day was created — Davis, along with women can in fact experience equality others, had been pushing for national rec- and equal expectations, equal justice,” ognition of Juneteenth. He and Barack Davis said. “We’ve come a long way, but

FILE

Rep. Danny Davis with elected offi cials from Chicago and the west suburbs area greet well-wishers along the route during the inaugural West Villages Juneteenth Parade in 2022, which passed through Oak Park, River Forest and Maywood.

“So, celebrating Juneteenth as a national holiday is simply an idea whose time has come.”

PROVIDED

Rep. Danny Davis has worked with countless others for recognition of a Juneteenth holiday. we’re not there yet.”

While Juneteenth is federal holiday, it is not a day off the job for Davis.

“We will have a chance to experience

a holiday, but for me it will be a holiday of work. A holiday of movement. And I hope lots of other people will be doing the same thing.”

JUNETEENTH 2024

Austin Weekly News, June 12, 2024

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avery r. young teaches ‘folks to become better painters with language’ other learning environments.

Chicago’s poet laureate hosts andWhen young was named the city’s poet laureate, he was awarded $50,000 for the monthly workshops for the commissioning of new poems and to create public programming during his twopublic in Austin year term.

By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter

Chicago’s poet laureate avery r. young brings poetry to his backyard.

Kind of. The Austin resident holds monthly poetry workshops, called chisoul workshops, at the Austin Branch library in Chicago.

“With chi-soul workshops, we really want to concentrate on narratives that are centered in Chicago and really shed light on all that happens in Chicago, not just what people see on the news,” young said. “Poetry is a great vehicle for shedding light on the things that everyday Chicagoans get to see and experience.”

Selected as Chicaavery r. young go’s first-ever poet Laureate in April 2023, young is an award-winning poet, educator, composer, performer and producer whose work spans the genres of music, performance, visual arts and literature. His work has been featured in several exhibitions and theatre festivals including the Chicago Hip Hop Theatre Fest, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the American Jazz Museum. With more than two decades of experience in the teaching artist field, young has led programs within schools, community-based organizations,

“Writing poetry is painting with language,” young said. “As is anything, in order to be good at it you have to work on it and workshops help with the craft of writing. I want to teach folks to become better painters with language.”

Ever since he moved to Linder Avenue in North Austin at 8, young has been a fan of the Austin Branch Library. As a child, he walked there frequently to read poetry and literature.

“I spent days upon days upon days at that library,” young said. “I tell folks all the time that the library is an airport.

You can go anywhere in the world.

Every book is an airplane.

That’s what I love about the library. And it’s free.”

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY His love of poetry began in third grade when he first read the anthology “I Am the Darker Brother,” a collection of poems by Langston Hughes, Mari Evans, Gwendolyn Brooks, Robert Hayden and others.

Young said that since he “had a mouth” as a kid, poetry also became a helpful tool for expressing his emotions.

“I realized that when I wrote a poem people didn’t see me as flippant,” he said.

“When I said what I wanted to say in the context of metaphors or rhyme scheme or haiku, I didn’t get in trouble. In fact, I got praise for expressing myself in that form.”

SARA JANZ

avery r. young, Chicago Poet Laureate during a performance at the Logan Center for the Arts on April 27, 2023.

Although he has written since elementary and the celebration of such liberty – and school, it wasn’t until his early twenties that that’s what a poem can be. It’s a celebrayoung decided to seriously pursue poetry. tion of our liberties. It can be a way that “I was able to do that we honor what it means to be through the open mic scene a liberated soul. To be armed and through performance powith your voice is liberty etry,” he said. “Never in my and it’s everything that Juwildest dreams did I imagneteenth is about.” ine one day becoming a poet young’s workshops are delaureate of any city, let alone signed for adult writers of Chicago.” all skill levels to build poems Young said the sights, and poetry manuscripts censmells, sounds and people of tered on tales of Chicago. The Austin undeniably shaped two-hour sessions will inavery r. young who he is as a poet today. clude time to edit, workshop Chicago Poet Laureate “A writer is constantly and present poetic works in a ear hustling and a writer is personal setting. also constantly taking menRegistration for chi-soul tal photographs,” he said. “I workshops is required and don’t think I would be the participants must be at least writer that I am had I not been incubated 18 years old. Workshops will take place in the Austin community.”

When asked about how Juneteenth can from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. on June 2, July 7, Aug. be honored through poetry, young said 4, Sept. 1, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3. Register at chi“when I think about Juneteenth, I imme- publib.org/chi-soul. They are held at the diately go to emancipation and liberation Austin Branch Library, 5615 W. Race Ave.

“I want to teach folks to become better painters with language.”

14 Austin Weekly News, June 12, 2024

JUNETEENTH 2024

Happy Juneteenth, I celebrate with you!

S

ince 1972, The Oak Park

County communities including

where they choose to live. Fast

Regional Housing Center

Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

forward to a new century, as we

(OPRHC), an organization

For many years, OPRHC

celebrate 53 years of service

regarded as a leader for fair

spent much time creating the

to the community, we are

housing rights, expansion of

residential integration you

beginning to pivot our work to

housing options, and economic

see in the Village of Oak Park

strengthen community ties and

opportunity, has been providing

today. This work, intentional in

residential relationships while

services to residents of the

nature, allowed people of all

continuing to help people with

Village of Oak Park and the

races to learn about fair housing

their housing needs. We are still

surrounding West Cook

and their opportunities to live

here… for you!

Main Office: 1041 South Boulevard Oak Park, IL 60302 708-848-7150 info@oprhc.org

City of Chicago Office: West Cook Homeownership Center 5934 W. Lake St. Chicago, IL 60644 773-887-5187 info@westcookhomeownership.org

Athena Williams, Executive Director

JUNETEENTH 2024

Austin Weekly News, June 12, 2024

A

ustin United Alliance is a property development initiative of The Oak Park Regional Housing Center

(OPRHC). As The Oak Park Regional Housing Center begins to pivot to work to increase housing inventory, we will continue to assist residents with their housing needs. Over the past 17 years as a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, we’ve assisted thousands of BIPOC families on their homeownership journey providing counseling on credit-debt management, financial empowerment services, and home and rental maintenance for healthy, sustainable, and stable housing on the Greater West Side.

Construction begins!

Coming Fall 2025!

The Laramie State Bank Redevelopment Project, 5200-5226 W. Chicago Ave. As we develop more housing, we will continue to keep the community updated about the Austin United Alliance Laramie State Bank Project and others.

For more information, call: 708-848-7150 or send an inquiry to: info@oprhc.org.

www.oprhc.org

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16 Austin Weekly News, June 12, 2024

JUNETEENTH 2024

Emancipation Ball heads into its 3rd year Moor’s Brewing Company’s gala celebrates Juneteenth

By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

In a blend of entrepreneurship and community engagement, Moor’s Brewing is gearing up to mark its third anniversary with the Emancipation Ball.

This milestone celebration not only honors the brewery’s success but also serves as a platform for promoting Black excellence and empowerment in Chicago.

In June 2021, Moor’s Brewing, owned by members of the Black community, was founded by co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Damon Patton and Chief Financial officer Jamhal Johnson, marking both an anniversary celebration and Juneteenth observance.

Moor’s Brewing also launched the Care Moor Foundation for Civic Engagement.

This foundation aims at promoting civic involvement through fundraising efforts and scholarship provisions.

Johnson said this celebration is designed for this sole purpose of emphasizing Black excellence through the achievement of another year in business.

“We aim to showcase our business alongside other Black-owned beers, wines, and spirits and collaborate with and highlight Black chefs, food curators, as well as dessert providers, utilizing Black-owned bakeries for our desserts and coffee bars,” Johnson said. “By showcasing these outstanding companies and their impactful work, we emphasize and celebrate Black excellence.”

The funds raised from the celebration will go toward supporting the Lafayette Gatling Sr. Scholarship Fund and the Marcus J. Bradshaw Foundation. The MJBF will be granting the MJBF Care Moor scholarship to recipients selected by the Moor’s Brewing team in July. Moor’s Brewing also supports the AROSE Foundation and the Lotus Globe.

“We are awarding scholarships to entrepreneurs for students who are entering their freshman year of college,” Johnson said.

The Emancipation Ball will have nine food stations across the venue, enhancing

PROVIDED

Emancipation Ball in 2023. the culinary experience for attendees.

Attendees can enjoy an open bar featuring a curated selection of premium drinks.

The selection at the open bar will include Alexandra James Whisky, Bull Young Bourbon, Disbəlēf Tequila, Love Corkscrew Wine, Michael Lavell Wine, Duo Vodka, and spirits from NG Distillery.

Moor’s Brewing is also celebrating its three-year anniversary with the release of its flagship beer called Moor’s Kölsch that will be released on Juneteenth.

DJ Envy from The Breakfast Club will be providing music and a local DJ named DJ Sean Mac will perform.

“We’re also in the final stages of securing another celebrity DJ. The event will be in a gala style,” Johnson said.

Johnson also plans to collaborate with local artists to enhance the ambiance and visual appeal of the event space.

Johnson said that in the previous year,

the event showcased an art installation imbued with the vibrant essence of Hispanic and African-American cultures.

“We partnered with a prominent art collector from Englewood, collaborating closely with Hispanic muralists to bring these themes to life. Furthermore, the event featured the live artistic talents of Dana Topp Hope, who created a painting on-site, later purchased by one of the attendees,” Johnson said.

Johnson said that they will collaborate with a nearby t-shirt printing business.

General Admission tickets are priced at $100. For those seeking an elevated experience, the Single VIP ticket, granting exclusive benefits, is available at $115.

The VIP Admission for groups of four, providing a collective VIP experience, can be purchased for $440. Johnson said that the VIP package provides unique privileges such as reserved seating, a perk not

available with general admission.

“The event will have three stations specifically allocated for VIP guests,” Johnson said. “While chefs will exclusively cater to the VIP section, most food vendors will be accessible to general admission ticket holders. VIP attendees will enjoy full access to all areas, including a riverfront patio where they will receive gift bags and complimentary swag items such as t-shirts.”

“As we look to the future of The Emancipation Ball, our aspirations center around three key pillars of our company: culture, community, and commerce.”

The Emancipation Ball will be held from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, at Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St. For more information and to purchase a ticket, visit the event’s web page. https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/the-emancipationball-2024-chicagos-premiere-juneteenthevent-tickets-803921690417

JUNETEENTH 2024

Austin Weekly News, June 12, 2024

17

The history of Juneteenth A refresher on the origins of this federal holiday

By LORETTA A. RAGSDELL Contributing Reporter

On June 17, 2021, U.S. President Joseph Biden, signed into law the Bill establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.

The Bill was sponsored by D-Mass. Senator Edward Markey and 60 cosponsors. The Bill, unanimously approved by the Senate, faced opposition from 14 House Representatives, many of whom represented states that had been part of the 19th Century slave-holding Confederacy.

The celebration of Juneteenth originated in 1865 after enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed by a Union general that the Civil War had ended and they had been freed in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

“Now, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixtythree, and in accordance with my purpose so to do publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days, from the day first above

The official Juneteenth flag

mentioned … I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.”

The actual abolishment of slavery occurred on January 31, 1865, after Congress passed the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It was ratified Dec. 6, 1865.

However, news of the Civil War’s ending traveled slowly from the North to the South.

In addition, some slave owners did not share the news with the slaves in hopes of holding on to their slaves. As a result, military officers had to travel to Union states and inform them of Lincoln’s Proclamation.

On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and delivered General Order No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages.”

AUSTIN HISTORY CENTER, AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration, June 19, 1900, Texas As a result of this proclamation, more than 250,000 slaves were freed in Texas.

Throughout Texas, great celebrations emerged. The enslaved people celebrated their newfound freedom with great merriment, including elaborate cookouts, dancing, singing, and religious services. One of the highlights of many gatherings was the symbolic ritual of removing their tattered and torn garments they had worn as slaves and throwing them in the river.

Over the years, as Galveston celebrations became more elaborate, Juneteenth celebrations spread throughout other Union States and became known as African Americans Independence Day. For more than 150 years, there was no formal acknowledgement of slavery, one of America’s most horrific human stains, and its abolishment.

The road to Juneteenth’s acceptance and destination as an American Federal Holiday has been a long and untiring one for Opal Lee. Lee, born in Marshall, Texas, in 1924, a retired educator, has been an activist for African-American rights since her early teens. Lee, as told through her books, television appearances, and public interviews, has witnessed many atrocities of slavery, racism, and prejudice.

At age 12, after her family move to Fort Worth, Texas, into a predominately white neighborhood, her family home was burned to the ground by an angry white mob. The fire took place on June 19, 1939.

The date and its significance propelled

Lee to work diligently to bring about a formal recognition of the emancipation of African Americans from slavery.

“The fact that it happened on the 19th day of June has spurred me to make people understand that Juneteenth is not just a festival,” Lee has said.

Lee’s civil rights activism and work has gained her national recognition. She is reverently called the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”

At age 89, Lee started her symbolic 2.5mile walks from her Fort Worth Texas home to the U.S. Capitol in support of her goal. In 2017, Lee launched an initiative to gather online signatures in support of making Juneteenth a national holiday. Her goal was to gather 100,000 signatures; however, the net goal was more than 1.6 million.

By 1979, every U.S. state and the District of Columbia formally recognized the holiday in some way. It is also celebrated by the Mascogos, descendants of Black Seminoles who escaped slavery in 1852 and settled in Coahuila, Mexico.

Joining members of Congress and Vice President Kamala Harris, Lee, then 96, was present on June 17, 2021, when Biden signed the Bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

After distributing the pens used to sign the bill to those around him, Biden said, “I hope this is the beginning of a change in the way we deal with one another.”

18 Austin Weekly News, June 12, 2024

JUNETEENTH 2024

Annual Juneteenth celebrations to kick off in Chicago, suburbs Marking what many perceive as the true date of emancipation in the United States, the holiday is a celebration of unity and Black culture

By ALEX GOLDSTEIN

with a grill-off and house music event.

The annual event is put together by the 1865 Coalition, a collaboration of community organizations, residents, law enforcement, educational institutions, elected officials, local businesses and churches on Chicago’s West Side.

will highlight the aura of “Blackness” and reflect the resilience and humanity of Black people in the arts. The weekend is designed to feature local artists, intentionally building upon and strengthening our collective sense of community in Austin and beyond.

Far South CDC Juneteenth Festival

CHICAGO

Contributing Reporter

As Juneteenth approaches, so too does a month of educational, commemorative and entertainment opportunities across the country. Here’s Growing Community Media’s most complete list of ways to celebrate the holiday across the Chicago area.

FOREST PARK

Juneteenth Fair — Forest Park Public Library and Liberated Art Movement Saturday, June 8 Forest Park Public Library, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This celebration highlights Black artists, authors, creators and small business owners. The event will include refreshments and book giveaways.

Fifteenth Annual Juneteenth Family Pool Celebration Saturday, June 15 Park District of Forest Park Aquatic Center, 6:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.

AUSTIN/WEST SIDE

1865 Fest June 14-16 Garfield Park’s Music Court Drive Day one of this three-day experience features Juneteenth military honors, highlighting Black veterans and active service members and including a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony. Day two, the “cultural experience,” features family activities centered around Juneteenth history, with educational workshops, live music and free food.

The final day of celebration honors Father’s Day on June 16

Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project

Saturday, June 15 11420 S. Halsted St., noon to 4 p.m.

The Far South Community Development Corporation will be hosting an afternoon of celebration including live music, food from Black-owned restaurants, a resource vendor fair and a small business marketplace.

Juneteenth Wellness 5K Walk/Run Saturday, June 15 Starting at the Garfield Park football field at 8 a.m.

Proceeds from this fourth annual 5K will go to Peace Runners 773 as well as Fresh Supply, a not-for-profit organization with the goal of providing resources and safe spaces to underprivileged youth in the Austin area.

Front Porch Arts Center Annual Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 17 Columbus Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This family-friendly event will feature music, food and dancing. There will also be a Juneteenth art exhibit curated by the Front Porch Arts Center and family artmaking activities.

Teamwork Englewood Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair Tuesday, June 18 Multiple locations, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Part one of this fair, hosted by Teamwork Englewood, will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 63rd Street and Halsted

PROVIDED

Nikole Hannah-Jones Avenue. It will feature a job fair, legal clinic, raffles, food and a live DJ. Part two will transition to 63rd Street and Justine Street for a celebration from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with line dancing, card games, a bounce house and a “foot working session” in store.

The Black Aura June 29, 6:30 p.m. – Jun 30, 11:00 p.m.

5628 W. Washington Blvd.

Kehrein Center For The Arts The Black Aura: A Weekend of Liberation and the Arts is a response to the city›s need to develop a greater sense of identity and clarity around the values associated with Juneteenth. Scheduled to take place June 28-29, the weekend between Juneteenth and Independence Day, this artistic experience leverages the arts to illuminate the tensions in African American histories and struggles, and the resiliency that has emerged. It promises a broad array of experiences, including performances, documentaries and workshops. The weekend

Chicago Public Library, Thursday, June 20, 6 – 7 p.m.

Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. In honor of Juneteenth, Chicago Public Library welcomes Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project and a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine. Hannah-Jones will be in conversation about her work on The 1619 Project with Chicago journalist Natalie Moore.

How to Attend in person: Doors to the Auditorium open at 5:30 p.m., and seating is first come, first served (350 capacity). Books are available for purchase, courtesy of Semicolon, and the author will autograph books at the conclusion of the program.

How to attend virtually: This event will also take place live on CPL’s YouTube channel and CPL’s Facebook page. You’ll be able to ask questions during the event as well. Can’t make it to the live stream? The video will be archived on YouTube to watch later.

OAK PARK

Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony Wednesday, June 12 Oak Park Village Hall courtyard, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Coordinated by Oak Park’s Juneteenth Committee of community leaders and sponsored by the village’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, officials at Village Hall will raise the Juneteenth flag to kick off a week of celebration. The ceremony will be followed by speakers, refreshments and more.

JUNETEENTH 2024 including tug-of-war and a football Juneteenth Community Cookout competitions distance throw. Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins and Oak Saturday, June 15 Oak Park Village Hall south lawn, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This family-friendly event, coordinated by the Juneteenth Committee, will include music, food, resource tables and a vendor market featuring local Black-owned businesses.

Park Village President Vicki Scaman will be in a dunk tank for participants to indulge.

The event is hosted by A Greater Good Foundation, which offers social-emotional learning curriculums, restorative practices and other opportunities and programs for connection among youths in the Chicago area.

Juneteenth Oratory Competition

WESTCHESTER

June 16, 18 and 19, Various locations Students of all grade levels are invited to craft original, persuasive speeches on the significance of the Juneteenth holiday and importance of its celebration. Winning students will receive a cash prize and be invited as featured speakers at a community luncheon.

The event was designed by Asé Productions, which partnered with the Suburban Unity Alliance and Rare Conscious Dialogues.

Juneteenth Freedom Walk and Flag-Raising Ceremony

RIVER FOREST

Juneteenth Family Barbecue and Keynote Address at Dominican University

Wednesday, June 19 Lineup at Broadview Missionary Baptist Church at 9:45 a.m., flag-raising ceremony at Westchester Village Hall from 10:45 a.m. to noon Community members can register to participate in this freedom walk, which will proceed to village hall for a flag-raising ceremony. Afterward, a Juneteenth Traveling Museum, book display from Westchester Public Library and complimentary refreshments will serve as entertainment and educational opportunities to celebrate the holiday.

Cicad-amazing art!

Saturday, June 22 Gladstone Park, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This celebration is the other half of the Village of Westchester’s two days of festivities. Food trucks, live music, line dancing lessons and a vendor market will round out the holiday, complete with a performance from Grammy award-winning Pastor Darius Brooks.

MAYWOOD

HILLSIDE

“Let’s Grow Together” Holistic Wellness Festival and Juneteenth Celebration

Speaker Chris Welch’s Juneteenth Festival Wednesday, June 19 Memorial Park District, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Emanuel “Chris” Welch, 7th district state representative and speaker of the house, is hosting this free event. It will feature food, games, vendors, artists, entertainers and more.

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Congrats to our coloring contest winners!

Margot Qualiato

Maximus

Juneteenth Community Celebration

Thursday, June 13 Barbecue 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the quad, keynote 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Springer Suites A keynote address by Danielle Walker, Ph.D., will follow a family barbecue at Dominican University. She’ll discuss the lessons learned from Juneteenth and how Americans can use them to work towards an objective of racial justice. Walker is the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Village of Oak Park.

Saturday, June 8 Proviso East High School, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This festival will feature fitness events including a 3K walk/run, food provided by various local Black-owned restaurants, live DJ showcases and “Best of Proviso”

Austin Weekly News, June 12, 2024

sam ferri

wyatt optho

lt

Thanks to all the young artists who submitted their work!