The African American Coalition of Kane County's celebration of Juneteenth this year will be a two-day affair, with Faith on the Fox being held Friday, June 19, in South Elgin and a culture/music festival set for Saturday, June 20, in Elgin.
“The coalition has always sought to make Juneteenth accessible to the broader communities,†coaltion President Shirley Bassett said. “Expanding into South Elgin reflects our commitment to reaching more families throughout the Fox Valley area and creating additional opportunities for education, celebration and cultural connection.â€
Friday's free activities, set for 3 to 7 p.m. in Panton Mill Park, will feature gospel music, cultural presentations, vendors selling food and other items, a host of family-friendly activities, and opportunities to learn about the significance of Juneteenth.
The South Elgin celebration is called Faith on the Fox because the focus is faith-based and gospel music, Bassett said.
Saturday's free Juneteenth gathering is co-sponsored by the coaltion and the city of Elgin and will run from 1 to 9 p.m. at downtown Festival Park. It will feature attractions similar to those planned for South Elgin as well as a lineup of rhythm and blues music that will, in part, honor Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy.
“Music has always played a vital role in African American culture, serving as both a source of expression and a reflection of our history,†Bassett said. “Rhythm and blues is a uniquely American art form, deeply rooted in the African American experience.â€
Performers set to take the stage include local acts Ollie Bolds & 3 Flights Up and the Funk Brotherz. The David Ruffin Experience and Randy Henry, out of Detroit, will headline the event, Bassett said.
“We are honoring Buddy Guy for his extraordinary contributions to music and culture,†she said. “Guy's influence spans generations, and as he approaches his 90th birthday, we felt it was appropriate to recognize his impact and legacy. His story represents perseverance, creativity and the enduring influence of African American artists on American culture.â€
The African American Coalition of Kane County has been organizing Juneteenth celebrations in Elgin since 2009. Established as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth takes its name from June 19, 1865, the day when people in Galveston, Texas, were informed that slavery was officially abolished in the United States. It was the last part of America to be informed of the news and residents there officially freed.
“Over the years, the (Elgin area) event has grown from a smaller community gathering that began as a cultural observance into a multiday cultural celebration that attracts attendees from throughout the region,†Bassett said.
“The most rewarding aspect is seeing people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate freedom, culture and community. Juneteenth creates opportunities for learning, understanding and building relationships across communities.â€
Bassett said she believes that the political division in the country makes Juneteenth celebrations particularly significant.
“During these troubling times, when the erasure of African American history, contributions and experiences often seems to be gaining momentum, Juneteenth celebrations are more important than ever,†Bassett said. “For me, Juneteenth is not only about remembering the past, but it is also about protecting hope for the future. It is an opportunity to remind people that our history matters, our stories matter and our contributions to this nation matter.â€
TWO OTHER CELEBRATIONS
In advance of the Saturday Juneteenth gathering, the city of Elgin will hold two other events related to the holiday, communications and engagement manager Josie Beecher-Crotty said.
The Funk Brotherz will perform a free concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at the Wing Park Bandshell, 1010 Wing St.
“The event will also feature food vendors representing Black, Indigenous and other communities of color, along with lawn games, family-friendly visual arts activities and photo opportunities,†Beecher-Crotty said.
From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, also at the Wing Park Bandshell, the city will offer a free showing of the 2009 animated Disney musical “The Princess and the Frog.†Activities being offered before the movie include an appearance by one of the movie's characters, a snack station serving beignets, crown-making crafts for kids and a DJ performance.
For more information, go to elginil.gov/SpecialEvents.
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
