Harper College will be closed Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
In partnership with the iCU Community organization and the Township of Schaumburg, Harper College will host the Juneteenth Block Party Celebration, 2-6 p.m. Saturday, June 22 on the college’s Palatine campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road. The annual event will feature family-friendly activities, musical performances, food trucks, giveaways and more.
WGN TV news personalities Glenn Marshall and Jewell Hillery will host the celebration, the first to take place at Harper. Performers include Harmony and Soul, Young Talent and a DJ set by DJ Zel. Entertainment and activities include the 40+ Double Dutch Crew, face painting, balloon artistry, a bounce house, story time with the Schaumburg Township Library, a community dance, blood pressure screenings, mortgage and real estate tips, candle-making, giveaways of books by Black authors and more.
Participating food trucks include Aunt Tina’s Sound Bites, CheSa’s Gluten Free and Mrs. Tittle’s Cupcakes. A complete list of participating vendors, including many local, Black-owned businesses, and food truck menus can be found at icu-community.org/community.
“It is an important time to come together with our neighbors and celebrate the Juneteenth holiday for its true purpose – freedom,” said Deborah Harris, iCU Community founder and executive director. “Juneteenth commemorates the abolishment of slavery and signifies the opportunity for Black Americans to stand in their rightful freedom. That’s why we were very intentional with highlighting Black business owners and collaborating with organizations that align with preserving the historical significance of this federal holiday. We invite everyone to join us in celebration on June 22!”
The Block Party will take place at Harper’s Drs. Kenneth and Catherine Ender Pavilion, include onsite bathrooms and free drinking water. Attendees can park in lots 8-11. Shuttle service for those needing assistance walking to the pavilion can park in lot 14. The event space is wheelchair and walker accessible and American Sign Language interpreters will be onsite.
Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and items to help keep them cool. T-shirts, with proceeds benefitting future iCU Community events, are available for $18 until June 10 ($25 thereafter). Updated information regarding the event can be found at the celebration’s Facebook Event Page.
