Freedom. Heritage. Hope.

You’re Invited to Our Juneteenth Celebration.

Join us as we commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom, resilience, and community.

This special evening will bring our community together to honor the past, celebrate freedom, and look toward a brighter future.

Special Guest Speaker: Darrel Dexter

Road Scholar and Historian

 Thursday, June 18, 2026

 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

 St. John Praise and Worship Center – Fellowship Hall

We look forward to celebrating with you and your family.

About Illinois Humanities

This program is funded in part by a grant from Illinois Humanities.

Illinois Humanities, the Illinois affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community, and strengthen civic engagement.

Together in Faith. United in Freedom. Strong in Community.

Honoring Our Past. Celebrating Our Freedom.

Building Our Future.

Darrel Dexter will share historical insights and reflections on the significance of Juneteenth and its continuing impact on our nation and communities today.

What to Expect

 Inspiring historical presentation

 Community fellowship

 Meaningful conversation and reflection

 Refreshments served

Juneteenth marks the day when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It remains a powerful reminder of perseverance, hope, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

We invite you to join us for this meaningful celebration as we reflect on our shared history and strengthen the bonds of community.