Celebrations marking Juneteenth held across Chicago area: 'Honoring our ancestors' sacrifice'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago turned out Thursday with many Juneteenth celebrations.

From the West Side to the South Side to the lakefront, there was excitement across the city as people reflected on the significance of the holiday while also connecting with community.

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The crowds at Thursday night's celebration at the DuSable Museum were full of energy and hope, understanding what it took to get here and what it will take to continue to move us forward.

It was a vibrant display of color in the skies above DuSable's Black History Museum, a reflection of the excitement in the crowds celebrating the richness of the Juneteenth holiday.

"It's that love, that Black love, that power. It makes you feel that good," attendee Shenita Batie said.

Juneteenth festivities were featured all around the museum, offering attendees a taste of everything from enrichment through exhibits and great eats to live music that got the crowd up on their feet.

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"It's very important that we know our history and we pass it on," attendee Christine Perry said.

All of it was to commemorate, reflect and empower as the holiday holds much meaning.

"What it means to me, it's a day where we respect all Black heroes and what they do for us," attendee Nehemiah Black said.

Juneteenth celebrations brought out the crowds throughout the city.

"Happy Juneteenth! Today is a day we know on ancestors are smiling upon us today because we're not just descendants of slaves we are free people who were enslaved who fought and earned our liberation," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Thursday is Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States.

In the North Lawndale neighborhood, the community marched in step at the Freedom Parade.

"We're finally getting recognized, and that people come out and support together," community member Lateshia Jackson said.

Rev. Martin Hunter of Grace Memorial Baptist Church celebrated the holiday with his congregation and community.

"If I had a zipper and you could open up and see my heart, you'd see 'em tap dancing," Rev. Hunter said.

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The church is marking an important milestone, the construction of 100% affordable housing Grace Manor Apartments. Organizers said it is the first on the West Side.

"Today is just the beginning," said Dinitia Robinson, CEO and president of the North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce. "We don't need to just unite for a parade. This is for economical development for the change for us to unite in our community."

Out in the southwest suburbs, the community of Plano was the first place in Illinois to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.

This year's celebration was nearly canceled over negative feedback, but was instead moved to Yorkville.

Plano, the first town in Illinois to officially recognize Juneteenth, has moved its annual celebration to Yorkville this year.

Back in the city on the Far South Side, the Pullman Porter Museum hosted its 12th annual Juneteenth Recommitment and Economic Development Celebration, walking down 103rd Street. The parade celebrates cultural heritage, freedom and unity.

On the city's lakefront near 31st Street Beach, the Justice Journey Alliance-Leadership Foundation of Chicago led a 2.5-mile walk, the distance representing the time it took for the last enslaved people in Texas to learn they were freed.

"It's not just about celebrating the gains that happened or making sure we're honoring our ancestors' sacrifice... but what are we going to do now to continue that legacy?" said Todd Belcore, Social Change executive director.

The day wrapped up with a cornerstone celebration at the site of Grace Manor Apartments, the site of that affordable housing complex.

READ MORE: What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated? What to know for 2025

The Field Museum hosted a fashion show Thursday afternoon, highlighting original pieces from local designers. It was all inspired by the museum's Africa Fashion exhibit. The fashion show is included in basic admission.

Atop the former John Hancock building, Chicago welcomed the community as part of its 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration. The event highlighted local, Black-owned businesses, along with food and live music performances.

Everyone ABC7 spoke to on Thursday talked about the positive energy in the crowds and the strong sense of community that the holiday brought out.