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Juneteenth in Lincoln brings
people together for a day of celebration
[June 22, 2026]
Friday, June 19, the Hunt for
Foundation hosted its seventh annual Juneteenth event in Latham Park
in Lincoln. Many people were there to celebrate the special day as
they joined in the various activities throughout the park.
Along the park’s sidewalk there
were several signs telling stories of African American royalty, the
history of slavery and stories of people who made positive impacts.
The last sign explained, “Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the
end of slavery in the United States. It is also called Emancipation
Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. On January 1, 1863, President
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It took over two years
for the news to be received by the last enslaved African Americans
in Galveston, Texas. On June 19, 1865, we honor and celebrate the
day that all black Americans became free! The first official
Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas. Celebrations have
continued across the United States into the 21st century and
typically include prayer and religious services, speeches,
educational events, family gatherings and picnics, festivals with
music, food and dancing.”
In one corner of the park was a
dunk tank. Several people had good aim as they hit the target,
sending the person on the “hot seat” into the water.
Other activities included an
obstacle course, football tossing, bounce slide, bounce house and
tunnel to crawl through. Some children enjoyed climbing on the
park’s playground equipment.
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On the side facing Kickapoo Street,
there were vendors selling t-shirts, candy flavored pickles and
homemade dresses and bags made by a woman in Senegal, Africa. Food
vendors sold lemonade, wraps, Frito pie, chips, hot dogs and bottled
water.
Information stations were set up by
Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) and Memorial Health. The
Center for Creativity and Community had a canvas set up for people
to put painted handprints on.
By the bandstand, there were
posters about Juneteenth and three tables set up with Juneteenth
swag including t shirts and freebies including books, lanyards,
pencils, bracelets, pins, stickers, sunglasses and fans. Large Uno
cards and checkers were on the tables as well. A DJ was set up in
that area playing upbeat music that could be heard throughout the
park.
It was a great day for families and friends to be out celebrating
the special occasion.
Juneteenth Celebration photo slideshow
A walk around Lincoln,
Illinois's 2026 Juneteenth Festival video
[Angela Reiners]
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