Peoria celebrates Juneteenth with a powerful line-up of events and gatherings

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- The City of Peoria is coming together to honor Juneteenth with a powerful lineup of events and a united voice.

On Thursday, June 5, at 1:30 p.m., a Joint Press Conference was held at Peoria Freedom & Remembrance Memorial Park to officially kick off the community-wide celebrations.

Hosted by the Peoria Park District in collaboration with key community partners—including the City of Peoria, Peoria’s Miss Juneteenth Pageant, NAACP Peoria Branch, The YANI Collective, Southside Community Center, and the Heritage Ensemble—the press conference spotlighted the many events that make up Peoria’s Juneteenth Week.

Running from June 7 through June 21, Peoria’s Juneteenth events will include parades, pageants, festivals, concerts, and gatherings that highlight Black excellence,