Oak Park Leaders, Community To Commemorate Juneteenth

OAK PARK, IL — Gov. J.B. Pritzker to order flags to be flown at half-staff Friday for Juneteenth after several elected officials and community leaders, including Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), gathered Tuesday to call for an expanded state observance of Junteeth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, and turns 155 years old this year.

It also celebrates "African-American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures," according to Juneteenth.com in an explanation of the holiday.

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"I gathered with elected officials and community advocates to condemn hate and racism, to honor lives lost, to support an expanded state observance of Juneteenth and to call for long-term solutions, change, reform and investment,"A Tuesday post on Harmon's Facebook page reads.

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Members of the United Church of Christ at 460 Oak Street in Oak Park invite community members for an afternoon of "education, celebration, and remembrance" Friday recognizing Juneteenth and "African-American history and heritage."

Those who'd like to attend can register online.