AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/juneteenth/)
For many Austin residents, celebrating the Fourth of July means fireworks, lighting up the grill and time with family and friends – but it’s not a celebration of independence. That day was celebrated on June 19th.
West Side organizations hosted events in celebration of Juneteenth on Friday. Commemorating Juneteenth this year was seen as especially important in the wake of the national movements sparked by the police killing of George Floyd.
There are a number of activities being held throughout Chicago’s West Side to mark Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Wednesday’s celebration was organized by the West Side Historical Preservation Society, Garfield Park Advisory Council and Greg Zanis of Crosses for Losses.
Commemorate Juneteenth at the Garfield Park Golden Dome, 100 N. Central Park Ave., from 12 to 4 p.m. June 19th. The West Side Historical Preservation Society is holding Wednesday’s event in collaboration with the Garfield Park Advisory Council.
Veterans and victims of gun violence will be honored Saturday at the Golden Dome Field House, followed by three days of activities the following weekend.
The West Side Historical Society – in partnership with Ald. Jason Ervin, AustinTalks and other partners – will host this year’s Juneteenth festival and parade for peace June 22-24 in Garfield Park. Vendors are invited to contact organizers; VIP passes are also available.
A planning meeting will be held 6 p.m. May 8 at Sankofa Cultural Arts & Business Center.
West Side residents commemorated African-American heritage during a three-day event that featured a parade, performers and more.
The three-day event starts June 14 and runs through June 16.