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City to Recognize and Honor Juneteenth with Annual Parade and Celebration

Photos by Yancey Hughes from 2022 celebration.

EVANSTON, IL - Working in parallel with Evanston Present and Future, the City of Evanston will honor Juneteenth with the 6th Annual Juneteenth Parade and Celebrations on Saturday, June 21.

Juneteenth, also referred to as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, or Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americas and is observed every year on June 19. This federal holiday serves as a celebration, remembrance, and reflection.

Freedom Parade, 11 a.m.

Kick off the celebration by watching or joining the Freedom Parade, stepping off at 11 a.m. from its new starting point at Dempster St. and Dodge Ave. The parade will head north to Ingraham Park and feature local organizations, schools, nonprofits, marching groups, floats, the Jesse White Tumblers, South Shore Drill Team, and more. There or many ways to participate:

• Watch the parade: Line the route with your chairs, Juneteenth merch, and cameras ready.

• Join the parade: Individuals and organizations can register to march.

• Volunteer: Sign up to help with setup, registration, and more.

• Learn more: Visit www.kemonehendricks.com/juneteenth-celebrations or email kemone@kemonehendricks.com.

A Divine Nine Juneteenth Legacy Celebration, Noon to 4 p.m.

Following the parade, community members are invited to come together for the annual Juneteenth Day of Celebration on Saturday, June 21, at Ingraham Park, from Noon to 4 p.m. This vibrant event will honor the history, achievements, and future of Black Americans through art, music, culture, and community connection. This event will feature:

• Award presentations by Evanston Present and Future

• Guest speakers, including a representative from Evanston’s historic Divine Nine (D9) Black Greek-letter organizations

• A live concert performance of The Cooke Book: The Music of Sam Cooke, featuring Darrian Ford

• Spoken word artists, stepping and strolling by the D9, Ayodele Drum & Dance, and more

• A Playzone for kids, D9 Scavenger Hunt, face painting, and dozens of artisan and food vendors 

This free community event promises joy, learning, music, culture, and a renewed commitment to unity. Come out and celebrate Juneteenth with Evanston!

Media Contacts:

Cynthia Vargas 
cvargas@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8234

Jessica Mayo
jmayo@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8041