Abolition, struggle, liberation: Juneteenth

STOP joins a march in summer 2007.

Monday is Juneteenth. STOP is proud to be part of the struggle for liberation, from the movement to abolish slavery, to the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, to southern slave owners being forced to liberate the last of their slaves more than two years later, on June 19, 1865:

"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.”

The struggle has continued, especially throughout summer 2020, when STOP and so many allies filled the streets for justice around George Floyd and police -- including defunding police and funding restorative justice, mental health, and much more. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. This Juneteeth, we celebrate again, and we draw strength to continue the struggle in the years to come.

Juneteenth gatherings

Good Kids Mad City - Englewood: food, activities, music on Mon. 6/19, 1-5:30pm at Lindblom Park, 6045 S Damen. Register.

Woodlawn Botanical Nature Center: performances, light refreshments (you can bring a dish to share!), space to reflect on Sat. 6/17, 1-6pm at 63rd/Stony, next to Hyde Park Academy. Flyer.

Elsewhere in the city, check out these events Crossroads Fund shared: by Parole Illinois, AfroBang Drum Call, and on June 24, AirGo Radio.