Here’s how you can commemorate Juneteenth
Here’s a list of events commemorating Juneteenth:
▪ 3rd annual Juneteenth Festival — Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 18, and 2-10 p.m. Monday, June 19. Collinsville. This event takes place over three days at three different locations. Saturday’s event takes place at Woodland Park and will be kid friendly with over 30 different vendors, games, water balloon fight, music, food, face painting and more. Sunday includes church services, food and more and takes place at the American Legion. Monday the celebration concludes at Old Herald Brewery and includes live entertainment of music, poetry, comedians, African drummers, dance teams and more with 20 different vendors. facebook.com/events/2019716534899144
▪ Gateway to Inclusive History Conference — 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday, June 19. Gateway Arch Visitor Center, Tucker Theater, St. Louis. Learn about St. Louis’s rich history, which includes original inhabitants, explorers, pioneers, settlers, those brought against their will through enslavement and immigrants from many nations. The stories of underrepresented groups are remembered in various ways within those communities, but are often not known by a wider audience. This conference will increase awareness of the struggles and contributions of individuals from the past and help shape a more inclusive future for St. Louis. Free and open to the public. No registration required. gatewayarch.com
▪ Emancipation Proclamation on Display — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 19-23 and 26-30. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, library building, 112 N. Sixth St., Springfield. As America celebrates Juneteenth, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will give everyone a chance to see a rare copy of the document that played a key role in this historic day of freedom, the Emancipation Proclamation, which bears the signature of Abraham Lincoln. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
▪ Juneteenth at Missouri Botanical Garden and Shaw Nature Reserve — 9 a.m. Monday, June 19. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. From 9-11 a.m., Garden staff and experts from the Butterfly House highlight Black individuals who made an impact in the field of entomology. At 10 a.m. the Kemper Center will host a cooking demonstration with Chef Lavinia McCoy, founder of Gourmet Soul. For more info: mobot.org.
▪ Celebrating Juneteenth — 2 p.m. Monday, June 19. First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, 17103 Wild Horse Creek Road, Chesterfield, Missouri. Doors open at 1 p.m. Join us as St. Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians and vocalists from the IN UNISON Chorus share music to honor Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. This free concert is led by Kevin McBeth, Director of the SLSO IN UNISON Chorus, and First Baptist Church of Chesterfield’s Pastor Christopher L. Rogers. Learn about our newest federal holiday and experience the power of music to bring us together. Seating is first-come, first-served. Concert lasts about an hour and is free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested. slso.org
▪ 3rd annual Illinois Black Woodstock Festival: Juneteenth Edition — 3-8 p.m. Monday, June 19. 8221 State St., East St. Louis. Festivities include more than 50 vendors from Black-owned businesses – boutiques, food trucks, novelty vendors – live music, BBQ Pitmaster (competition) & More, play area for the kids. blkwoodstock.com
