The Capital City is gearing up to observe its 30th Juneteenth Celebration with a series of events spanning several days. From talent showcases to concerts, pageants, parades, and community discussions, there's something for everyone to participate in. Juneteenth commemorates the day when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It marks the end of slavery in the United States and is celebrated as a day of liberation and reflection.
Event List
June 12: Join Lincoln Library for a talent show at 5:30pm
June 13 - Levitt Amp will hold a special Juneteenth performance in downtown Springfield as part of their summer concert series (more details to come)
June 14 - Mr. & Mrs. Juneteenth will be crowned at a pageant show at Southeast High School Auditorium at 7pm
June 15 - The celebration kicks off at 10am with the annual Juneteenth parade and continues at Comer Cox Park throughout the day. Morris Day and Time cap off the day's events with concert at the park.
June 16 - The second day of the celebration at Comer Cox Park begins with a special 10am church service at the park.
June 17 will feature a Stop the Violence Community Panel held at One in a Million Inc.
June 18 - Fun youth day camp will be offered at the Boys & Girls Club from 10am-3pm
June 18 - The ALPLM hosts Author Annette Gordon Reid to discuss her book "On Juneteenth" at 6pm
June 19 - Lifting up our future leaders! Attend Juneteenth, Inc.'s 1st Annual Future Leaders Juneteenth Breakfast. Breakfast will be held at the Trutter Center at Lincoln Land Community College. Individual tickets and tables are sold on Eventbrite.
June 19 - In honor of Juneteenth, Henson Robinson Zoo is inviting everyone to celebrate as a community and connect with nature. The zoo will be offering free admission for all ages.