Beverly-Morgan Park Celebrate Juneteenth Saturday With Family Festival

CHICAGO — The Beverly/Morgan Park communities will celebrate Juneteenth with a family festival Saturday, June 17. The fest, showcasing Black culture, runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the heart of Morgan Park at 110th Street and Longwood Avenue. The event is FREE and open to all community members.

Bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy the day's festivities with the family.

June 19 was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021, marking the end of slavery as a national holiday. Organized by Burst Into Books and other community partners, the Beverly/Morgan Park Juneteenth Family Festival features a day of music, activities, food and shopping for all ages.

The neighborhood Juneteenth Family Fest is in its fourth year, and continues to grow in attendance and sponsorship each year. The 2023 theme focuses on “Fit and Fun” and centers around health and wellness, with activities designed to get young and old on their feet and moving. Attendees will also have access to free health screenings, education, vaccinations, dental exams, mental health resources, and health and fitness workshops, and more.

The festival features a world market of vendors selling interesting items, including Afrocentric retail, clothing, art, handmade gifts, toys, jewelry, accessories, and more.

There are activities for all age groups, from sports, storytelling, and games for children to dance, drumming, and healing circles for adults.

Master of Ceremonies Hassahn Liggins will introduce the lineup of featured performers, including:

• Musical headliner Simone Green, a sellout performer who sings R&B, House, Contemporary, Old School Jazz and blues interpretations.
• Spoken Word
• Chicago Bucket Boys
• Moya electric drum and dance group
• Footworking by Takeova Global
• Zumba
• Stepping classes with Delvin Barber
• 40+ Double Dutch, a group of women over 40 who take a break from “adulting” by jumping double-dutch, hula hooping, hopscotch and Chinese rope.

Sponsors and community partners include CBS News Chicago, Bookies, Aetna, Morgan Park United Methodist Church, Mirjam Quinn and Associates, Uber Eats, Great Lakes Clinical Trials and Advocate Children’s Hospital.