Oak Park and neighboring areas have organized celebrations throughout the week in honor of Juneteenth.
The annual celebration in Oak Park was to kick off with a flag raising ceremony June 10 at Village Hall, 123 Madison St., followed by a two hour evening of poetry, music, food, opportunities to learn more about the extensive history of Oak Park and the significance of Juneteenth.
The celebration continues with a community cookout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 13. The cookout, which will also take place at Village Hall, will feature two comedians, two bands, a DJ, line dancing, games and other activities for community members to enjoy, according to a village post.
After the cookout in Oak Park, area residents can continue the celebration in Forest Park, which will host its 17th annual Juneteenth Family Pool Party from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Forest Park Aquatic Center, 7501 W. Harrison.
On June 18, the Oak Park River Forest Museum is planning a history bike tour. The event will tell the stories of African American Oak Parkers during a seven-mile plus bike ride tour around the village led by the museum’s executive director, Frank Lipo.
The expected two-hour bike ride will start at 6 p.m. at the museum, 129 Lake St., and will make 16 stops including one at Oak Park Village Hall, Julian Middle School and the former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
Registration is at the museum’s website or via email at oprfhistorymatters@sbcglobal.net.
The self-guided tour was created by the Oak Park River Forest Museum Museum as part of Oak Park’s first municipal Juneteenth celebration in 2021.
River Forest is also taking part in the celebration with a Juneteenth flag raising event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 17 at the River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave.
Juneteenth was made an official holiday in Oak Park in 2020 after the Village Board voted unanimously to support a proclamation to formally observe the holiday, according to the village officials.
The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, two months after the Confederacy surrendered, and about two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Southern states.
Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021 when former president Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.
“Juneteenth is a living testament to the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and the village of Oak Park is proud to honor that legacy every year,” said Dan Yopchick, the village’s chief communications officer. “Our community celebrations have grown into some of the most highly anticipated events every year because they bring neighbors together in reflection, unity and joy. We look forward to coming together once again this year for these always-memorable events.”
chardy@chicagotribune.com
