The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (NAPRPPM) will host its 10th Annual “JUNETEENTH” Community Celebration Monday, June 20, 2022 at the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. The festivities will kick off at 9:00 a.m. with a parade/walk that begins at Gately Stadium Park. The parade will conclude at the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum entrance (817 East 104th Street, between Corliss & Maryland Ave) followed by a community festival that will take place on the museum grounds, Corliss, and Butler College Prep directly across the street from the Museum.
“We began celebrating Juneteenth long before it became an officially recognized holiday,” said Dr. Lyn Hughes, founder of NAPRPPM. “It was only a few years after the end of slavery, that Blacks began to migrate north, the Porters played a major role in the effort. The Pullman Porters are a rich and significant part of our history, and we highlight their legacy and contributions at every appropriate opportunity. This is the first National Juneteenth celebration and a multi-generational event, which is a perfect opportunity.”
The Juneteenth Celebration is being produced by “Museum 44; Where Hip Hop Meets History,” the youth and young adult program division of the museum, Randolphs Dream CDC, Far South Chicago Coalition: Quality Of Life Plan, Far South CAC, Hands Around The Hundreds, Books Over Balls all in collaboration with Black Culture Week and the Chicago Juneteenth Citywide Coalition.
“Our annual free celebratory event will have something for everyone including live performances, vendors, speakers and interactive activities for children,” said NAPRPPM President David Peterson, Jr. “The goal of this event is to create a festive environment in the community, where individuals or, the whole family can come out to enjoy and celebrate African-American history, heritage, and culture.”
This year, museum representatives will be adding the first ever Juneteenth Youth Chi-Ball Y League Basketball Tournament Championship in Collaboration with Books Over Balls and Hand Around the Hundreds at Corliss High School & Butler College Prep. The pre-qualifying tournaments start the week of June 13th before citywide, and youth will compete for an opportunity to compete at the Championship at Gately Stadium.
For more information about the Juneteenth Community Celebration call 773-331-6146. To schedule media interviews, send an email to [email protected].
