SPRINGFIELD, IL – As part of the 32nd annual Juneteenth festivities in Springfield, people have been parading, performing live music, worshipping, and engaging in lectures and art exhibits in the week-long event that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth, a federal holiday, is June 19, but events were planned from June 12 to June 19 in Springfield that celebrate Black community and culture, discuss history, and focus on community initiatives.
Many of the events in Springfield were organized by Juneteenth, Inc.
Here’s a look at the schedule of events for Thursday, June 18, and Friday, June 19.
Local events happening for Juneteenth
Thursday, June 18
Friday, June 19
The process, excitement and challenges of making stories like the Underground Railroad come alive during the Social Media Age will be the focus of a panel discussion to be held on Juneteenth, Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church at 331 E. State Street in Jacksonville.
This event is free to attend.
The event is held in conjunction with the Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad exhibit currently on display at the Jacksonville Area Museum at 301 E. State Street.
Panel discussion participants include:
The panel discussion will be moderated by Jacksonville Area Museum Manager Tori Ohl and museum board member and historian Chad Boehlke. A tour of the Underground Railroad exhibit at the Jacksonville Area Museum will be offered following the June 19 program.
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Here are ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Springfield
Reporting by Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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By Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register | USA TODAY Network
