June 19, 1865 is the day when the last enslaved people in the United States were told they were free in Galveston, Texas - two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. June 19 is now known as Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery and celebrates African-American freedom, culture and achievements.
We invite you to join us at the library and around town for the following programs in June:
Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
Tuesday, June 14, 7-8:30 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Juneteenth Book Discussion: The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
Wednesday, June 15, 7-8 p.m. / Cardinal Room / Register
Ayodele Drum & Dance (FULL)
Thursday, June 16, 7:30-8:30 p.m. / Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (111 W. Campbell St.) / Register (Event registration is FULL)
Black Joy Family Time
Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. / Lindsey Room / Day-of Tickets
Illinois Libraries Present: An Evening with Chef Kwame Onwuachi
Wednesday, June 22, 7-8 p.m. / Live on Zoom / Register
Celebrating Juneteenth in Literature
Looking for inspiration and understanding through books and reading? Our Readers Advisors have curated a list of fiction and nonfiction books for Juneteenth - click here to see some of their top picks.