juneteenth

North Central College Commemorates Juneteenth

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 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.

The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed on June 17, 2021, designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday, highlighting the importance of the nation's 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. 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.

juneteenth

2025 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.

Juneteenth Celebration by Naperville Neighbors United (NNU)
Saturday, June 14
12 – 3 p.m.
Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville

Join NNNU at its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration at Rotary Hill in downtown Naperville. The event will include music, food trucks and resource tents and vendors. Bring your chair or a blanket and your dancing shoes!

Chicago Juneteenth Events
Wednesday, June 18 - Thursday, June 19

The city of Chicago hosts various Juneteenth events, including a Flag Raising Ceremony, concert and more. 

Juneteenth Celebration by Mosaic Realty, Inc. (Plainfield)
Thursday, June 19
12 – 4 p.m.
Settlers' Park, 24401 Lockport St. Plainfield, Ill.

Join Mosaic Realty on June 19th, at Settlers Park in Plainfield for a vibrant Juneteenth celebration! Bringing together the community for a day of remembrance, joy, and connection, Mosaic Realty invites attendees to the fun and opportunities to learn more about this significant day in history.

Juneteenth for Mazie and Me
Thursday, June 19
2 – 3 p.m.
Fountaindale Public Library, 300 W. Briarcliff Rd., Bolingbrook, Ill.

Families will enjoy cookie decorating, crafting and more as they learn about freedom at this Juneteenth celebration! (Grades Preschool–5 with an adult).

Juneteenth Celebration with Oba William King
Thursday, June 19
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Romeoville Branch Library, 201 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville, Ill.

Celebrate Juneteenth with renowned storyteller Oba William King! Oba will weave his riveting drum performance with his spellbinding traditional and historical tales for a special evening for the whole family.

Oba William King is a storyteller of high energy, enthusiasm, a wealth of tales, and over 25 years experience. He is popular with kids and adults of all ages, offering traditional stories and fables, historical tales, stories he writes, music, movement, joy, literacy, in performances and workshops, always emphasizing unity. He has appeared at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the International Storytelling Center, and the National Association of Black Storytellers.

Juneteenth: "Alice's Ordinary People"
Thursday, June 19
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Dr., Woodridge, Ill.

"Alice's Ordinary People" is a documentary about Alice Tregay, a woman who fought against injustice throughout the Civil Rights movement and beyond. Her story connects the marches of Dr. Martin Luther King to the election of Barack Obama, offering a unique perspective on American politics. The film's producer, Craig Dudnick, will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterward.

Community Values at North Central College

You’ll see our beliefs in action through everyday conversations and interactions both in class and around campus. The College offers a range of programs and resources that celebrate diversity, foster understanding and expand cultural experiences. For more information, visit the Office of Student Engagement & Belonging.

Mural in the Office of Student Engagement & Belonging