On Saturday, June 20th, the 10th annual Juneteenth celebration was hosted by the Champaign Park District at Douglass Park behind the Douglass Branch of the Champaign Public Library. If you haven’t heard of Juneteenth, you’re likely not alone; it’s the oldest known celebration that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. The even dates back to June 19th, 1865, when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, bringing news that the U.S. Civil War had ended and along with it, slavery. You can read more about the history of Juneteenth here.
This year brings the 150th anniversary of the event, and we were proud to celebrate it as a community with fun, games, karaoke, and even President Lincoln himself reading the Emancipation Proclamation. Take a look below for a peek what you missed, and be sure to mark your calendars for next year. — Stephen Kemp
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The other Independence Day: Juneteenth
Interview by contributing writer Adebowale Awolola
Last Friday, June 19th, marked the 150th anniversary of the abolishment of slavery. This holiday is dubbed Juneteenth. There was an event commemorating this anniversary at the new and improved Douglass Park on Saturday June 20th. Parents brought their kids out to play and have fun as well as educate them on the history of the holiday. The kids indulged in face paintings, bounce house, and even taking pictures with a president Lincoln impersonator. This event was created to instill history into the youth in a much more relaxed and interactive manner.
“They’ll be able to tie the fun memory to the history behind it” according to Darius White, the senior program coordinator who was in charge of organizing this event. A lot of people are unaware of the existence of Juneteenth, in part because it’s not recognized as much in their communities. I spoke with Mr. White about the oblivion surrounding the existence of Juneteenth and he elaborated on how that can be changed. Mr. White went into further details about how the community could help push for the recognition and appreciation of Juneteenth.
Smile Politely: What is your position at the Champaign Park District?
Darius White: I’m the senior program coordinator.
SP: Have you always hosted this event?
White: The event is actually a co-sponsored event with the Champaign Park District and the Champaign Public Library, in particular to the Douglass branch, and this is my third year doing it.
SP: What did you plan to achieve by hosting this event?
White: Other than giving people the opportunity to have a good time, and enjoy the day, we are really pushing the education of Juneteenth. There’s a lot of people that do not know what Juneteenth is nor what it means. I’ve had quite a few people ask if it was something we created ourselves. This day is not only important to the black community but to America, in general. With everything that’s going on in the United States right now, it’s really important that we take advantage of this day and realize that this was originally the day we’re supposed to unify as one. This day commemorates the abolishment of slavery, so this is very huge to everyone. We wanted to make sure this year we push a lot of educational facts, that’s why we’ve handed out information about it in the form of packets.
SP: You mentioned how a lot of people weren’t informed about Juneteenth, and that’s true, because I noticed that a lot of my peers are not aware that this day even exists. Why do you think that is?
White: It’s not so much that people don’t know that slavery was abolished, they just don’t know that there is a day to honor that.
SP: Juneteenth is recognized only in 39 states, how can we as a society direct more attention to this holiday?
White: It’s based on our community, our community has to push for it. It’s upon the community to request that it is a holiday celebrated in their State. Those who do know about it have to educate those that do not know about it.
SP: I saw a lot of kids outside enjoying themselves, I think that’s a great way of educating the kids with no pressure involved.
White: We try our best to make it a fun day, we could have easily had an informational and give a speech then send you on your way but that won’t stick with you. Face paintings, magicians, President Lincoln impersonator are things we implemented to make this experience a memorable one for the kids. They’ll be able to tie the fun memory to the history behind it.
SP: Anything else you’ll like to let us know?
White: Our goal is just to educate the community about Juneteenth. We’re happy with the turnout we have but we’ll love for more people to come out next year. Obviously, if we don’t celebrate it, it will go away. Hopefully next year, we’ll get larger partnerships to make it even bigger. Most importantly, we really appreciate people coming out to support.
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Below you’ll find photos and some notes from Stephen Kemp.
Below, President Lincoln reads the Emancipation Proclamation with the Juneteenth flag in the background.
Below, games to play and prizes to be had.
Below, the Black Nurses Association of Central Illinois.
Below, your friendly neighborhood magician.
Below, State Representative Carol Ammons was present for the festivities.
Below, raffles were held for all sorts of prizes, including an Amazon Kindle.
Below, winner, winner!
Below, FirstFollowers helps provide support and employment preparation for the formerly incarcerated.
Below, the show stoppers were definitely the young singers; they drove the crowd wild.
Thank you again to the Champaign Park District for a fantastic celebration of a wonderful and incredibly important event. We’ll see you again next year.
Photos courtesy of Stephen Kemp.