Rockford's Juneteenth celebration spans 2 days this year. Here's what's in store
ROCKFORD — A Chautauqua will highlight this year's Juneteenth two-day celebration starting Saturday afternoon at Sinnissippi Park.
A Chautauqua is a multi-day community gathering that might feature talks by politicians and educators, performances by musicians and workshops by artists. Such events were popular at the turn of the 20th century as there were no TVs and radios had yet to become household staples.
Tommy Meeks, the founder and host of Rockford's Juneteenth celebration, will talk with Police Chief Carla Redd about the level of violence that has been plaguing the community.
"Not saying we are going to stop the violence, but at least when you start talking about it, people have some ideas on how to cut back on some of it," he said.
'All races should celebrate': Hundreds celebrate Juneteenth in Rockford at several parks
Meeks also has invited leaders from two local companies, Bergstrom and Rockford Acromatic who have hired youth mentored my Meeks.
"They're going to talk about the importance of giving people second chances," he said. "I want other companies to see that there are people out there trying to make a difference and that they can, too."
Meeks said the idea for a Chautauqua stemmed from a July 2010 article written by former Register Star columnist Chuck Sweeny.
"I called Chuck and talked to him about how Rockford used to have like an outdoor arena north of Auburn (in Harlem Park, an amusement park on the west bank of the Rock River) and how people would come from miles around to find out the latest news."
Meeks said he hopes the community conversation will resonate with attendees.
"We've got to learn how to talk to one another and not feel we got to hate somebody because they disagree with us or accuse somebody of being a racist because they disagree with us.
"If people want to hate other people, Juneteenth is not the place for them regardless of their color."
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. The day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. Originating in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the country since 1865.
Saturday's Juneteenth events kick off at 3 p.m. and include the Chautauqua, live music, a princess and queen competition and a dance party with DJ Woody.
Sunday's activities are more gospel in nature starting with a 10 a.m. community church service by the Rev. R.G. Alexander of Hope Fellowship Church and the Rev. Ken Copeland of New Zion Baptist Church. The All Black Graduation hosted by Tony Turner of Conscious Coaching will start at 1 p.m. Other activities include a community awards presentation, the Juneteenth Queen crowning and live gospel performances throughout the day.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: A Chautauqua, All Black Graduation highlight Rockford Juneteenth event
