The Black community has long celebrated the historic occasion of Juneteenth, and it became an official federal holiday in 2021 as people of all cultures recognized its significance. Juneteenth will take place officially on Sunday, June 19 in 2022, but events are planned for multiple days around the date.

The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago both honor Juneteenth as an official paid holiday, beginning with the 2022 observance. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, “Days like Juneteenth remind the world that Black history is truly American history,” as she announced the designation in 2021. Governor J.B. Pritzker said, “It brings me exceptional pride to sign into law the declaration of Juneteenth as a formal state holiday in Illinois, making us one of the few states in the nation to give it the full status it deserves.”

The state of Wisconsin first designated it as a day of observance in 2009 (although it is not yet one of the state’s public holidays), and Milwaukee County recognized it as a floating holiday in 2020.

Let’s find out more about the origins of Juneteenth and some meaningful and jubilant ways to commemorate it in Chicago and Milwaukee.

What does Juneteenth signify?

Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth symbolizes the end of slavery. It is pegged to the day in 1865 when the remaining enslaved Black people in the country learned from Union soldiers arriving in Galveston, Texas, that they were free — coming two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was officially signed. The day is designed to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of Black Americans.

Where can I celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago?

There are a number of local tributes planned in Chicago. Confirm times and dates with each organization before heading out to the event.

Juneteenth Black Tie Gala  

Monday, June 20, 2022; 5:30 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton (5000 W 127th St.; Alsip, IL 60803)

Hosted by the Southland Black Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the event will include live jazz music and sumptuous cuisine, highlighted by an awards ceremony honoring local legislators, community members, and business owners who have made an impact on the business community in the Southland region. For more information, visit the Southland Black Chamber of Commerce website.

Juneteenth Celebration at Tilton

Thursday, June 16, 2022; 6 to 7:45 p.m.

Tilton (George) Park (230 N. Kolmar; Chicago, IL 60624)

Hosted by the Chicago Park District, in partnership with the Base Chicago and Tilton Park Advisory Council, this free community event will feature music and food, with southern cooking as a highlight.  

Chicago History Museum Juneteenth Celebration

The 2022 Juneteenth celebration will be hosted in North Lawndale, which transitioned to become the first African-American community on Chicago’s west side following World War II.

Black Culture Week

June 10 – 20, 2022

A variety of events are planned, with the theme of “Celebrate. Commemorate. Collaborate.” One highlight is the annual City-Wide Juneteenth Caravan. All participants are welcome to join this festive parade, gathering at the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum at the entrance on 104th Street between Corliss & Maryland Ave. More information on all related events, including the time for the parade, will be available at the official Black Culture Week website.   

Where can I celebrate Juneteenth in Milwaukee?

Juneteenth has a storied history in Milwaukee, as the city began commemorating the historical occasion in 1971 as one of the first northern cities to do so. While some cities participate in  Juneteenth Day events on the closest weekend, Milwaukee celebrates on the exact day it falls; just like we always observe Independence Day on July 4.  With Juneteenth on Sunday in 2022, a city-wide event including music, food, vendors, and more is in the works.

Northcott Neighborhood House 51st Juneteenth Jubilee Parade

With the theme, “Celebrate Culture Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow: A Tribute to Dads…Father, Teacher, Protector & Hero,” the 51^st annual parade will include floats, marching bands, and dance/drill groups. The parade goes from 8 to 11 a.m. and will also be broadcast live on Milwaukee’s TMJ4. Events continue throughout the day, with a street festival running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a concert from 6 to 8 p.m. 

After last year’s epic “Golden Anniversary,” organizers say that 2022 will include new features that “translate into a summer of family-centered and cultural activities.” For more information, watch the JuneteenthMKE website.

How else can I celebrate Juneteenth in my local community?

While gathering with a group to participate in a march, parade or other public tribute is a great way to boost pride, there are other ways to honor Juneteenth more individually. For example, you could: 

• Dive deeper into Black history, then gather family members to remember your own heritage and ancestral milestones
• Celebrate through feast: gather friends, neighbors, and family for a cookout and sample traditional southern cuisine
• Observe cultural traditions through art, music, and poetry
• Hold a movie marathon themed around related issues
• Patronize local Black-owned businesses for shopping or dining: Both Chicago and Milwaukee have developed resources to help you find local Black-owned businesses. Find out more at Black Owned Chicago and MKE Black where you can search for businesses by type and location. 

Wintrust will observe Juneteenth on Monday, June 20

Wintrust is an inaugural member of the Advancing Equity in Banking Commission (AEBC), and will be part of the program for the third AEBC Roundtable, which will be hosted by City of Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyers-Ervin, and State of Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, on June 21 in honor of Juneteenth.

As Juneteenth approaches, now is the ideal time to plan how you will commemorate this important holiday as a proud citizen or local business owner who wants to get involved.