North Central College Commemorates Juneteenth

Juneteenth Resources BLM Resources DEI Efforts

Juneteenth is a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States

Background Information

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led federal troops to Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. The day has long been observed among the country’s Black community, though it is a history that has been marginalized and remains largely unknown to the broader public. The 13th Amendment, ratified December 6, 1865, ended slavery in the remaining slave states and permanently abolished slavery in the United States.

President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act on June 17, 2021, designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Biden stated,

“The truth is, it’s simply not enough just to commemorate Juneteenth. After all, the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans didn’t mark the end of America’s work to deliver on the promise of equality; it only marked the beginning.”

The legacy of Juneteenth highlights America’s unfulfilled promise of equality and the importance of our continued work to achieve equity and inclusion.

Juneteenth Resources

North Central College encourages members of the campus community to learn more about Juneteenth and its significance to our nation’s history by visiting the Oesterle Library Black Lives Matter Lib Guide. For further learning, you can read this piece by Henry Louis Gates Jr. and explore The National Museum of African American History & Culture Juneteenth website.

Learn More

2024 Events

We encourage community members to spend the day learning more about the effects of slavery and racism in America, and supporting Black-owned businesses. The College has curated a list of events for learning and celebration in the local area.

Wednesday, June 19

Aurora Juneteenth Youth Summit and Flag Raising
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora

The Aurora Juneteenth Youth Summit will be an empowering and educational experience for young leaders in middle school and high school. The Summit will feature inspiring and informative sessions designed to help them grow and develop as an individual, with speakers who will provide insight on topics such as education, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and more! Participants will also participate in interactive activities with their peers from different schools, helping them learn the importance of building a strong network – all while earning exciting prizes and giveaways. At the end of the morning, participants will receive their certificates while being honored at the Aurora Juneteenth Flag Raising immediately following the Summit at 1 p.m. Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to grow, learn, and lead!

Juneteenth Celebration "Picnic in the Park"
3 – 8 p.m.
Settlers' Park, 24401 Lockport Street, Plainfield

A celebration of Juneteenth, this will be and is a family friendly event! All are welcome to come out and gather, have fellowship, hear and learn.

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center Juneteenth Celebration
10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, Chicago

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center will have activities for the family, music, food & drink all day long. Events include a petting zoo, horseback riding, a farmers market and a planting station at DuFarm; musical performances from Glenn Jones, DJ Ambassador Kevin Nevels, A Patch of Blues, Joe Pratt and The Source One Band, DJ Sam BLK Soldier, Javon Watson Experience, Guitars Over Guns, Zion, and others; yoga with De'Shon McClain & Prison Yoga Chicago; roller skating at the DuSkate Freedom Roller Rink; and much more!

ONE Northside Juneteenth Celebration
1 – 7 p.m.
Pottawattomie Park, 7340 N. Rogers Ave., Chicago

Join Communities Partnering For Peace and ONE Northside for their Juneteenth Celebration! There will be: a BBQ cookout with free food and drink (first come, first served), family fun with games, prizes and a bounce house, music by DJ P Miller, and a performance at 4 p.m. by Unique Damage.

Juneteenth Freedom Market
4 – 10 p.m.
The Salt Shed Outdoors (Fairgrounds), Chicago

Refine Collective Presents the 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market @ The Salt Shed - Lift every voice and sing! Join Refine Collective for a free, all-ages celebration of Black creativity and entrepreneurship. Come by to enjoy: a marketplace of 50+ local Black-owned businesses and creators, selling everything from home goods, beauty products, one-of-a-kind fashions and more. Goods from a special selection of businesses from Amazon's Black Business Accelerator, a program designed to help Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs succeed as sellers in Amazon's store. Curated sounds, including DJ sets from Slot A, Ryan The Person, and Cut Cuz, plus a performance by Shawnee Dez. The chance to watch and join the renowned 40+ Double Dutch Club, a Chicago based non-profit made up of women ages 40+ encouraging movement and community through the fun and nostalgia of Double Dutch. Specially-designed flash tattoos by DesignbySyd, Onyx Tattoos, and Jhane Inx, and much more.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at North Central College

You’ll see our beliefs in action through everyday conversations and interactions both in class and around campus. We also offer a range of programs and resources that celebrate diversity, foster understanding and expand cultural experiences; for more information about them, please visit the Office of Multicultural Affairs.