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Families gathered at Latham park in Lincoln,
Illinois, on June 19 for the city’s sixth annual Juneteenth Festival
to celebrate freedom, family, independence, and food.
The all-ages event welcomed everyone with free hot dogs, music, and
activities for the whole family. Local vendors lined the area with
handmade goods and treats, while grills were fired up for families
who brought their own food. From toddlers splashing in water to
adults telling stories, the festival created a space that brought
people of all ages together.
Juneteenth commemorates the day enslaved people in
Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—more than two years
after the Emancipation Proclamation. The day has grown into a
nationwide celebration of black freedom, resilience, and community.
Jennifer Hunt, the founder and president of the Hunt
For Foundation, emphasized the festival’s deeper meaning. “The end
of ‘community’ is ‘unity,’” Hunt said. “We started hosting the
Juneteenth Festival here in Lincoln because it was during a time
when our community needed to be united. We needed to celebrate
history, we needed to celebrate culture, and we needed to educate
some folks as well.”
Founded in Baltimore in 2016 and brought to Lincoln in 2020, the
Hunt For Foundation focuses on empowering youth and women of color
through education, professionalism, and confidence-building
programs. They’ve organized back-to-school drives, college prep
initiatives, pageants, and even sponsored local students to attend
the Chicago HBCU fair.
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Board member Jessica Jackson said her favorite part
of the festival is simply seeing the event come to life: “Once we’re
done planning and we see everybody come together; laughing, enjoying
themselves as a community, that’s the biggest part for me.”
Vice President Kierra Wiggins agreed. “It’s people from all
different ages, all different cultures, being able to come together,
enjoy the same event, and learn a lot of the history behind the
event.”
Hunt stated when asked about community support: “We have many
supporters in the community, and it’s always great if we can gain
additional supporters as well.”
She added that showing up is one of the most powerful forms of
support. “Being a good friend is showing up for your friends. I
think that’s the same thing for your community.”
The Hunt For Foundation plans to continue expanding its efforts
across Lincoln, Chicago, and Baltimore—and potentially beyond.
“Where we see a need, that’s where we bridge that gap,” said Hunt.
For those who couldn’t attend, the foundation hopes
to see even more faces next year. “Even if you don’t know what
Juneteenth is, come out and get the information,” Wiggins said.
“We’re here to educate.”
You can learn more about the Hunt For Foundation or donate by
following them on Facebook or reaching out directly to support their
year-round programs.
[Sophia Larimore]
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