Evanston Marks Juneteenth with Celebration at Dawes Park

Over 400 attendees came together at Arrington Lagoon in Dawes Park, Evanston, to celebrate Juneteenth, the federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. Officially recognized as a national holiday in 2021, June 19 commemorates the announcement of freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. This event took place more than two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

The Event Highlights

The celebration began at 10:30 a.m. with Opal’s Walk for Freedom. This march, covering two and a half miles along the lakefront, honored Opal Lee, a civil rights advocate nicknamed the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” for her efforts in securing holiday recognition. A diverse group participated, led by her granddaughter Dione Sims and event organizer Kemone Hendricks.

Evanston Township High School cheered on with performances by its cheer team and band. The park hosted various local food vendors and organizations celebrating Black culture and resilience. Dione Sims spoke to the crowd, emphasizing the historical significance of Juneteenth and Evanston’s pioneering municipal reparations program, launched in 2021 to address discriminatory housing practices.

Community Involvement

Community activist Carolyn J. Ruff, founder of Black Lives Matter Women of Faith, expressed joy in attending the event. A lifelong Evanston resident and former high school employee, Ruff noted her commitment to honoring Opal Lee and the holiday’s history. She carried a Pan-African flag, symbolizing Black community struggles for freedom and justice.

Volunteer Edie Segal saw the event as a learning opportunity about Juneteenth and Opal Lee. With the backdrop of a sunny day, Segal appreciated the chance to engage and understand more through active participation.

Cultural Festivities

Organized with sponsors like Evanston Present and Future, the City of Evanston, Mari Enterprise, and Unity Unlimited, the day’s festivities included live music from GreenTTea & the Tempos and the NAJWA Dance Corps. Among the vendors were Hecky’s BBQ and Candlelite Pizza, offering various treats as educational exhibits and historical displays enriched the event.

Family activities like face painting, cornhole, and a “Colors of Juneteenth” coloring contest were introduced, based on a book by Kemone Hendricks. Special events coordinator Amanda D’Agostino explained the shift to Dawes Park for the event, highlighting its success in gathering the community for the seventh year.

The celebration in Evanston symbolized unity and the universal pursuit of freedom, marking an essential chapter in both local and national history.