JUNETEENTH ILLINOIS

GALESBURG

On Saturday, June l5th, 2002 from 12:00nn - 3:00pm Galesburg, Illinois will celebrate their lst annual Juneteeth celebration with a "Tailgate Party" at South Side Lake Storey Park. Enjoy music entertainment from the 50's, 60's, & 70's, on site book resources, & art displays. Softball, bingo, cards, dancing, & mancala will be part of the fun. Please come out and join us & donate a can of food for a local Food Bank. 50/50 ticket proceeds go toward scholarships. Event sponsored by the Support Group for African American Affairs.

DECATUR

"Juneteenth 2002" Presented by The African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society Of Illinois Museum June 15, 2002 Theme: " Are We Really Free?" We are featuring our !st Annual Juneteenth Youth Gospel Choir Competition, other activities include: African dancers, Baseball competition, Chess tournament, Volleyball, Basketball, Praise dancers, Poetry, and a Black History Bowl. We will also have art & artifacts exhibits, food & non-food vendors. For more info, please call: 217-429-7458; Fax:217-429-7861 or e-mail us at aacgs@springnet1.com This all will take place June 15, 2002 in Fairview Park in Decatur, Illinois. 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

CHICAGO

Juneteenth Festival @ Some Like It Black Coffee Club & Gallery sponsored by Race To Knowledge, Inc., Alliance for Community empowerment, Some Like It Black and Inner City Youth Foundation. Our theme - "Preserving Authentic Culture" and Heritage, located in the heart of Bronzeville at the historical Swift Mansion (formerly) the Chicago Urban League - 4500 South Michigan Avenue. Chicago Urban League Parking Lot, Saturday, June 22, 2002 12Noon -7:00 P.M. Check out our website (www.ixprss.com/racetoknow. For additional information contact Bobbie Johnson at (773)377-5004 ext.2098. To receive additional information send an email to artzone44@excite.com

On Saturday June 15th WVON presents a Juneteenth Festival in Mandrake Park, 39th & Cottage Grove from 10am - 5pm. Storytelling by Congressman Danny Davis, State Representative Monique Davis, Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, Alderman Dorothy Tillman and journalist Vernon Jarret. Live entertainment by keyboardist Reginal McCants, Doktur Rhute, rdjs Youth Choir of Landmark Baptist Church and Richard Pegue, with "The best Music of Your Life". Renown artist Melvin King along with local artist will showcase their art work. Appearances by State Represenative Lovana Jones, Senator Donne Trotter and others are expected. The festival will also feature a Children's pavilion, arts and crafts and a food court. This festival is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Doris Brooks at 773-247-6200.

On Saturday, June 22, 2002 the Coalition for Improved Education in South Shore (CIESS) will be hosting its fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration. This year's Juneteenth Celebration will begin with a parade down 79th Street beginning in front of the New Regal Theatre, 1645 E. 78th Street, (off Stony Island) and ending in Rainbow Beach Park 79th Street and South Shore Drive. At Rainbow Beach there will be vendors, free food, games, and entertainment for the entire family beginning at noon and lasting until 6:00 p.m. For more information please contact Lestine Byars 773.684.6070/6075 for further details.

CENTRALIA

Ricks Chapel A.M. e. Zion Church celebrated its first Juneteenth day on sunday June 16, 2002 from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. Our celebration began with prayer, encouraging words by Rev. Jones, the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, by Mrs. Shirley Williams, followed by words of encouragement from members of the congregration who have gone through the struggle. Members from other churches joined in the activities, with a display of articles used before modern conviences were invented. Food, fun, and music was enjoyed by all.