Evanston to host Juneteenth celebrations this weekend, June 17

Alex Hulvalchick, Chicago Tribune
·1 min read
11

Evanston is set to host celebrations for Juneteenth this Saturday, June 17 with a parade, music, food and more, marking the fourth year the city commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans.

The Juneteenth parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. beginning at the Robert Crown Community Center and ending at Ingraham Park behind the Morton Civic Center around noon. Performances by the South Shore Drill Team and Jessie White Tumblers will accompany floats, marching bands and more.

Celebrations will continue after at Ingraham Park with art, music, food and speakers until 6 p.m. Over 25 vendors are scheduled to attend including Hecky’s BBQ, C & W Ice Cream & Sweet Treats, and Firehouse Pizza. Other activities will be available such as a Sweet Potatoe Pie Eating Contest, a Bid Whist tournament, children’s playground, face painting and a free raffle. Hoodraised and Darlin’ Mikki will be performing spoken word artistry throughout the afternoon.

The following schedule is planned for the afternoon:

  • 1 p.m. — Funkadesi

  • 2:30 p.m. — 1619: The Journey of a People, A Musical

  • 4 p.m. — Gospel Singing Group MC4

  • 5 p.m. — The Donovan Mixon Jazz Ensemble