June 18, 2005 - Macomb celebrates Juneteenth

Macomb's Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration included live entertainment, storytelling, children's games and crafts, and free food at this festival celebrating the end of slavery. Originating in Galveston, Texas in 1865, the observance of this day has since spread across the nation and around the world. For more information, see www.juneteenth.com.

Dignitaries from Western Illinois University, the City of Macomb, the local legislators, churches and the NAACP participated in the program which began with the singing of Lift Every Voice.

Spicy Jamaican jerk chicken with black beans and rice served, along with hot dogs and watermelon. McDonough County and Macomb's early African American residents were honored in a history display, including the Sanford Daniels family, William Bell (an early business owner), and Al Sears (a jazz musician). The 2005 Juneteenth Festival Celebration was sponsored by the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, Macomb Pro-Diversity Committee, Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Services, African American Studies Department, McDonough County Housing Authority, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Macomb, and Macomb Park District.

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The Chandler Park Gazebo was covered with Juneteenth signs as the musical group Heaven of Danville performed on stage. McDonough County Democrats staffed one of the many booths. Keynote Speaker Dr. Essie Rutledge of Western Illinois University The gentleman in the red shirt later gave an impromptu reading of his poetry. Inflatables formed a great playground.