Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Springfield residents are coming together this month to celebrate Juneteenth with a series of events honoring freedom, culture and community.

The city’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, now in its 32nd year, features activities throughout the week leading up to June 19, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Organized by Juneteenth Inc., the celebration includes community gatherings, educational programs, live entertainment, family activities and cultural events designed to recognize the significance of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans throughout history.

One of the centerpiece events is the annual Unity Parade, which brings together local organizations, churches, businesses and residents in a community-wide celebration. Festivities continue at Comer Cox Park with live music, food vendors, youth activities and opportunities for residents to connect with community organizations.

For Galia Cos Leone, a community health consultant with Memorial Health, highlights the importance of connecting with the community through health and outreach.

Cos Leone said events like Juneteenth play an important role in strengthening community well-being beyond celebration.

“I think it’s vital for our community to remember that we need to uplift Black and African-American members of our community, not only in spirit but also with tangible activities and initiatives like employment and social security and safety and healthcare,” she said.

Memorial Health representatives say their involvement in community events helps build trust and strengthen relationships with residents.

“We get involved every year with community events like Juneteenth or Pride Fest,” Cos Leone said. “We show up for the community and meet them where they’re at so they know they can trust us, and if they don’t, how we can build a better relationship.”

Additional events throughout the week include concerts, educational programs and family-friendly activities across Springfield.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday became a federal holiday in 2021 and has since gained increased recognition nationwide.

Organizers say the annual celebration serves as both a remembrance of a significant moment in American history and an opportunity to bring the community together.

For Lakeisha Slater, attending the celebration is about unity, culture and sharing the experience with family.

“Juneteenth means a lot for our ancestors,” Slater said. “We’re bringing out our community. Black is beautiful, and we’re one.”

Slater said she believes the celebration carries deep meaning for Springfield residents.

“I feel like it means everything,” she said. “We’re changing the culture. We’ve got a lot of different things going on that involve a lot of Black people, so I believe it means a lot to all of us.”

Slater said this year’s celebration also marks a personal milestone as she participates more directly in the events.

“I always come and bring my kids so that we can enjoy it and see that we are peaceful,” she said. “We can get together and bring peace and happiness and just have a good time.”

She also noted she attended additional kickoff events, including a basketball event leading into the week of celebration.

From a community services standpoint, Ronnetta Buckner with Heartland House said the week of Juneteenth events also provides an opportunity for collaboration among local organizations.

Buckner, who serves as a street outreach coordinator, said her agency works with people experiencing homelessness by helping connect them to resources such as IDs, birth certificates and housing support.

“We’re very excited to be a part of it,” Buckner said. “We support it every year.”

She added that Heartland House’s participation is also tied to broader community support efforts coordinated through the event.

“We’ll have a bunch of resource tables out that our whole continuum will be a part of, giving out information about agencies and resources, just celebrating and coming together,” she said.

Buckner said the event is especially meaningful during challenging times for the community.

“We’ve been taking a lot of hard hits,” she said. “A lot of very important people that were special in our community have passed away recently, and we’ve had storms come in. Just getting to shut all of that down and come out and celebrate is what we look forward to.”

The Juneteenth Celebration continues through June 19 with events scheduled throughout the city. Organizers encourage residents of all backgrounds to participate and learn more about the history and significance of the holiday.

A complete schedule of events is available through Juneteenth Inc. and participating community organizations.