Juneteenth celebration to build community through joy

The year’s Juneteenth will highlight the power of collaboration to help build community through joy.

The positive developments through history are often underappreciated, said Danny McQuarters, assistant director of institutional diversity, equity and inclusion, adding that sometimes there’s real value in focusing on things that bring people joy.

As with last year, a local park will provide the setting for the main celebration on June 19.

Speakers and activities run from 4-8 p.m. in Island Park. In addition, there will be tables for community organizations and vendors. Members of the Juneteenth committee also plan to barbecue food.

Stacey Robinson, a member of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s graphic design faculty, will deliver the celebration’s keynote speech virtually at 6 p.m. on June 17 as the first official part of the celebration. It will follow a flag raising on June 16.

Robinson, who helped deliver last year’s keynote speech, will focus on positivity, McQuarters said.

A documentary lunch will take place between the two events, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 18 in French Auditorium.

Juneteenth is open to everyone.