Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19 that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Across the country, the day is marked with events and parades.
"As a Nation, we vow to never forget the millions of African-Americans who suffered the evils of slavery," President Donald Trump said in a statement Tuesday recognizing the holiday. "Together, we honor the unbreakable spirit and countless contributions of generations of African Americans to the story of American greatness. Today we recommit ourselves to defending the self-evident truth, boldly declared by our Founding Fathers, that all people are created equal."
https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2018/06/19/why-we-celebrate-juneteenth/103010550/
Here's everything you need to know about Juneteenth:
• The nonprofit organization We Are One Southeast Chicago is organizing a Juneteenth festival for senior citizens from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday at 1767 E. 79th St., according to the organization’s website. The festival will include music, raffles and performances.
• The #LetUsBreathe Collective, a group of artists and activists, is hosting a Juneteenth celebration that will include performances, food and political discussions. The celebration will take place from 2-7 p.m. Tuesday at 1434 W. 51st St., according to the group’s flyer.
• Roy Kinsey, a local rapper and librarian, will lead a program titled, “Imagine Doing More: Juneteenth” from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Richard M. Daley library branch at 733 N. Kedzie Ave., according to the library’s website. The program, which will include music and books, is geared toward teens but all ages are welcomed.
• Community organizers will come together for a panel discussion about liberation. “Juneteenth Celebration and Mass Liberation Conversation” will take place from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Ogden Park Fieldhouseat 6500 S. Racine Ave., according to an event flyer. The event will include members from anti-violence organizations such as Violence Interrupters and Give Up The Streets.
