Juneteenth 2023
Community Calendar of Events
This community calendar is a service of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to commemorate the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States. The information included has been provided by each event sponsor. For questions, please email the event contact listed.
Juneteenth Flag Raising & Reverence Ceremony
Friday, June 16, 12 pm
Urbana City Building, Urbana
The City of Urbana will raise a flag in commemoration and reverence of the Juneteenth holiday. The flag raising will begin at 12 p.m. at the Urbana City building located at 200 S. Vine St., Urbana. The event will feature speakers giving the history and significance of Juneteenth as well as the flag raising.
MTD Announces Block Party and Free Rides for Juneteenth
Friday, June 16, 5 pm
Illinois Terminal, Champaign
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) is proud to celebrate Juneteenth, a day recognized for the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans since 1866. This year, MTD will observe Juneteenth by amplifying Black voices through artful displays, creating space for historical representation, and providing free rides on Monday, June 19.
MTD will host a Juneteenth Block Party on Friday, June 16, from 5 to 7pm at Illinois Terminal in downtown Champaign. This event is free to the public and will occupy a portion of the parking lot in front of Illinois Terminal at University Ave. and Market St. with our Juneteenth Bus, Mama Duke’s Food Truck, and musical entertainment by DJ BJ Clark. MTD’s Juneteenth Bus will be on display at the event for guests to get on board to learn about the history and importance of Juneteenth, an annual celebration commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The bus is a mobile exhibit with nearly 40 unique interior displays ranging from historical facts and photographs to quotes from famous figures, as well as book excerpts and recommendations for continued learning. Several MTD employees submitted quotes about Juneteenth, freedom, and the Black experience, which are also displayed.
More information is available on the MTD website.
Celebrate Juneteenth Emancipation Day with the Champaign Public Library at Douglass Park
Saturday, June 17, 12-3 pm
Douglass Park, Champaign
Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States, is one event you don’t want to miss. Enjoy music and visit different vendors while learning about this important holiday. Children can make arts and crafts, play on the bounce house and obstacle course, or get soaked in the Splash Pad. More information is available at champaignparks.com.
Presented by Champaign Park District and Champaign Public Library, Douglass Branch. For questions, please contact Robert White at robert.white@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2572
Marilynn Dean Cleveland Gallery Show: “My Soul Doesn’t Cast a Shadow”
Saturday, June 17, 4-6 pm
Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, Urbana
The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center is hosting a gallery from local artist Marilynn Dean Cleveland titled “My Soul Doesn’t Cast A Shadow” part of the “From the Bidders Box to the White House” show. It tells stories through color, lines, tones, and texture.
Juneteenth Celebration at Crystal Lake Park
Sunday, June 18, 2 – 4 pm
The Lake House at Crystal Lake Park, Urbana
Join Urbana Park District and The Urbana Free Library for a family-friendly Juneteenth celebration at the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park! Enjoy music, food and refreshments, fishing, Urbana Mobile Recreation Unit games and activities, community resources, and more to celebrate Black freedom and achievements in Urbana and beyond.
Juneteenth Celebration at Colbert Park
Monday, June 19, 12 – 6 pm
Colbert Park, Savoy
Head to Colbert Park to celebrate Juneteenth with the community. There will be free food, shopping, music and more. Bring the Family out and represent your generation by wearing designated colors as follows: Baby Booms yellow, Generation X red, Millennials green, Gen Z black and Generation Alpha white.
For questions, please contact Jazale Carter at 317-250-8211.
Juneteenth Freedom Bike Ride
Monday, June 19, 10 am
Human Kinetics, Champaign
The Randolph Street Community Garden is hosting a freedom bike ride on Monday, June 19 at 10 a.m. Riders will gather at Human Park, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, and the ride will end at the Randolph Street Community Garden. Riders of all levels are welcome to join. There will also be a walking parade for those who do not wish to ride. There will be live music from Bridgewater Lewis Fine Arts Academy.
More information is available on the Randolph Street Community Garden Facebook page.
MLK Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day
Saturday, June 24, 12 pm
King Park, Urbana
Free Community Event! Food, Raffle & Prizes, Live Entertainment, Local Talent, Fun & Games, Cook-Off Contest, Family, Friendly, Diverse Atmosphere and More. Celebrating the legacy of the late Mrs. Jettie Rhodes and her commitment to serve her community. Help us pack the park!! More information is available online.