West Cook News

A flag-raising ceremony and community cookout will anchor Oak Park’s celebration of Juneteenth, considered by many as the true anniversary of emancipation in the United States. The events are coordinated by the Juneteenth Committee of community leaders and sponsored by the Village’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This year's theme is “Remembering OUR History and Claiming OUR Future.” The committee is co-chaired by Village Clerk Christina M. Waters and Chris Thomas, Founder and CEO of YourPassion1st.

The flag-raising ceremony is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, in the courtyard at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. The free event will feature speakers, refreshments, and more.

The community cookout is planned for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, on the south lawn at Village Hall. This family-friendly event will include music, food, activities for children, resource tables, and a vendor market featuring local Black-owned businesses.

Local businesses or service providers are invited to register to host a booth or table during the community cookout. Volunteers are also needed to help ensure the success of these events. More information can be found at www.oak-park.us/juneteenth.

Additional Juneteenth activities are being organized in Oak Park. A Juneteenth oratory competition will culminate with winners being presented as featured speakers at a celebratory event on Sunday, June 9 at 5 p.m., at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. Information about this competition can be found through Asé Production's partnership with Suburban Unity Alliance and Race Conscious Dialogues.

“We are excited to continue Oak Park’s tradition of lifting up Juneteenth and recognizing its importance for African Americans and its significance in American history,” said Dr. Danielle Walker, the Village’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “As the Village’s commemoration continues to evolve, we are grateful to have numerous community partnerships that help make Oak Park’s celebration special.”

“I’m so thankful to celebrate Juneteenth in the Oak Park community,” said Thomas. “It is our duty to break down systems of oppression and hate to achieve a society where race no longer determines one’s outcomes.”

“This is a time to celebrate our history and ancestors while embracing our future,” added Thomas.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 when a U.S. Army general read orders in Galveston, Texas that all previously enslaved people were free.

In recognition of its significance among many Oak Parkers, the Village Board voted unanimously in 2020 to formally observe Juneteenth every June 19th as an official holiday.

For more information about Oak Park’s Juneteenth celebration visit www.oak-park.us/juneteenth or contact DEI@oak-park.us or call 708-358-5405.

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