Juneteenth Festival celebrates African American freedom
Live concerts, a hot pickle eating contest and Little Princess of the Day pageant are on tap for Saturday, when downtown Elgin will celebrate one of the oldest African-American holidays, Juneteenth.
Juneteenth marks the effective end of slavery on June 19, 1865, when Texas became the last state to free its 250,000 slaves. It has been paralleled with Martin Luther King Day as two most important celebrations on African Americans' calendar.
"Martin Luther King Day is to honor the legacy of a great leader; while Juneteenth is to honor the legacy of an entire race of people," said the Rev. Ronald V. Myers, chairman of the National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign.
The 10th annual Juneteenth Festival will run from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 12 at Kimball Street and Grove Avenue.
The celebration will feature live performances by rapper Chase (Wyl Biz) and local bands like Pops and Little Destiny, said Gertrude McClain, executive director of the African American Coalition of Kane County, which is hosting the event.
Food vendors will offer barbecue and catfish while visitors enjoy a car show.
A kid zone for ages 2-11 will be available. From noon to 2 p.m., kids can get free hot dogs and popcorn before burning off some energy in jungle gyms and sack races.
June Wooten, program director of the Kane County Health Department, will talk about health concerns facing African Americans today.
Thirty-six states have recognized Juneteenth, the latest being Mississippi, said Myers.
McClain said Juneteenth as a holiday should be nationalized, and she has signed a national petition through Juneteenth.com.
For details on the festival, visit africanacoalition.org.
If you goWhat: 10th annual Juneteenth Cultural Festival, sponsored by the African American Coalition of Kane CountyWhen: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 12Where: Kimball Street and Grove Avenue in downtown ElginAdmission: FreeDetails: www.africanacoalition.orgTrue13332000Robert Grant, 2, of Elgin eats rib tips during the last year's Juneteenth Festival in downtown Elgin. This year's festival is set for 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.Daily Herald file photo, 2009True