The City of Chicago held a ceremony at Daley Plaza to honor Juneteenth (the now June 19th Federal holiday) on June 16 at Daley Plaza in the Loop.
Chicago Juneteenth Planning Coalition Chair Tewodros Josef Abioye said the purpose of this event was to “celebrate Black people and commemorate their freedom through the recognition of Juneteenth,” as well as give thanks and remember history.
The opening prayer was given by Rev. Dr. Ebony D. Only, who also watered a plant (a libation) as she called upon the ancestors and “honored those who walked this Earth before us” … “who planted seeds they would never see.” As Only did the libation, she reminded everyone that water connects life and spoke about the history of Black people in America. She also recognized Chicagoans Ida B. Wells and Fred Hampton’s many contributions.
Pullman Porter Museum President David Peterson Jr. recognized the Community Honorees Carol Johnson, Cassopeia Meekins and Pemon Rami for their many accomplishments ahead of their remarks.
Johnson spoke of the need for everyone to share Black history, to ensure that knowledge is passed down through the generations to come. Meekins spoke about the enslaved Africans brought to the United States against their will but managed to survive and create a world that “we benefit from” and being grateful to them. Rami discussed how Chicago is home to many of the first Black owned businesses and entities.
Chicago 5th Ward Alderman and Reparations Task Force Co-Chair Desmon Yancy said Juneteenth is about reflection, resistance and celebration and is rooted in in furthering equity, dignity and justice. He outlined how systemic racism is pervasive in all aspects of life in many Chicago neighborhoods, which must be renovated and reinvigorated with new investments in housing and businesses.
City of Chicago Chief Equity Officer Carla Kupe said it is important to “reclaim this moment together,” given what is happening across America to stoke fear and uncertainty. She also spoke about her office’s Together We Heal Initiative and the Reparations Task Force.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke about the importance of Juneteenth in Chicago and the entire United States as an opportunity to reflect on the past and “more importantly where we are headed.” He of the significant roles Black people have played in American history and the need for reparations and complete liberation.
“The legacy of slavery in America is obvious to anyone who actually cares to pay attention,” said Johnson. “The Confederacy is certainly alive. We can feel and see the pulse of the Confederacy manifest itself in the Donald Trump administration. But we can also feel the heartbeat of an America that still beats for justice. We saw it this past weekend with people who took to the streets to fight for justice … Investing in Black is not a criminal act.”
Additionally, Uneq’ka McNeal performed “I Am” during the ceremony and Mys Michelle closed out the event with a performance of the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice” as the Juneteenth Flag was raised in between the U.S. Flag and the Progress Pride Flag and Chicago Pride Flag at Daley Plaza.
