Austin Weekly News
A news site committed to in-depth reporting on issues concerning the Austin neighborhood located on the West Side of Chicago, Illinois.
Illinois and Cook County officials gathered earlier this month to kick off the upcoming celebrations for Juneteenth at Malcolm X College.
Barbara Deer, the executive director of Juneteenth Illinois, a nonprofit organization that commemorates Juneteenth, promotes related festivities and offers scholarships for students on the West and South Sides, said that initiatives like these are part of the four pillars that the nonprofit focuses on.
Deer, who said she was exposed to gun violence while growing up in the North Lawndale neighborhood, added that one of the solutions for more peaceful communities is to provide mentorship to Chicago’s underserved youth.
“I want to give back to students the way that people gave back to me,” Deer said. “One of the true solutions to violence is mentoring and education…when youth are educated, violence is reduced.”
Her remarks came during a news conference she and others called to mark the beginning of Juneteenth’s celebrations this month.
The underlying theme for Juneteenth comes down to one thing, Deer said.
“If you understand what Juneteenth is really about,” Deer said. “You understand that Juneteenth is about freedom.”
On June 19, 1865, about 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, under the leadership of Gen. Gordan Granger, to finally enforce the Emancipation Proclamation in the remaining active plantations. That day marked a milestone in the history of the United States — Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States after the Civil War.
Deer’s husband, Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, has been an advocate to make Juneteenth a holiday. In December 2020, the County Board unanimously passed an ordinance that made Juneteenth a paid county holiday for employees. Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made Juneteenth a paid holiday for city and state employees in June 2021.
And in April, The Cook County Board of Commissioners also unanimously passed a resolution that made the complete month of June a time dedicated to celebrating Juneteenth.
On June 14, the nonprofit Juneteenth Illinois held a scholarship reception to award $10,000 in scholarships. It will also host an event June 22 that features panels that will discuss equity in business, the criminal justice system, health care, and education.
Romell Franklin Jr., a rising junior at Morehouse College, spoke to the crowd on Monday about the opportunities his scholarship gave him as a pre-med student. Franklin was awarded $1,500 from the Juneteenth Illinois scholarship program.
“This scholarship was way more than just a check,” Franklin said. “I was a part of the first Juneteenth Illinois cohort, inside that cohort, I got to meet two of my Morehouse brothers…this scholarship actually connected with two of my brothers that I am still very, very close with to this day.”
Franklin has also participated with Juneteenth Illinois as a mentor for new scholarship recipients. He was grateful for the platform the organization gave to promote his community service program as well, Franklin said.
The upcoming celebration for Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the future progress to be made for equity in underserved communities, said 3rd District Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry.
“As we gather here today, 161 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, I ask whether we are truly free,” Lowry said. “The answer is no. Over the coming days we will host and participate in a number of Juneteenth events focusing on equity, education, health, and justice. We must focus on these issues not just in June, but for 365 days each and every year.”
Residents who are interested in participating in Juneteenth events can find them on the Juneteenth Illinois website. Juneteenth event organizers are encouraged to share their celebrations to be published on the platform.
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