32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration Gala And Central Park Festival To Be Held In Downtown Decatur

     The African American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois will host its 32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration Gala on Friday, June 19, at the Grand Palace Banquet Hall, 3253 N Brush College Rd, Decatur, at 6:30 pm., with guest speaker, Ms. Kymberly Hartfield; and Saturday, June 20, 2026, in downtown Decatur’s Central Park,
     Special Guest. Zack Sanders, Saxophonist of South Carolina. The two-day celebration will honor the history and significance of Juneteenth while bringing the community together for music, culture, education, and family-friendly activities.
     The celebration will begin Friday evening, June 19, 2026, with a drum presentation, “Africa to America, the journey of the Drum” featuring Ms. Trinity Bond and Tareion Moy, who will welcome attendees and special guests as the event officially opens.
     On Saturday, June 20, festivities will begin with the Juneteenth Emancipation Parade in downtown Decatur at 12:00 p.m. with Grand Marshal, Ms. Stephanie King. The day will continue with family activities in Central Park featuring local artists and entertainment, Black art, live music, community storytelling, and a variety of food and merchandise vendors. Guests are also invited to register for free giveaways, including gas cards and McDonald’s ice cream treats for children. The evening will conclude with smooth jazz by Zack Sanders of South Carolina. Admission is free and open to the public.
     This community event is open to the public and made possible through the generous support of local sponsors, including the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, Memorial Health, First Mid Bank, Hickory Point Bank, CEFCU, Refreshment Services Pepsi, Decatur Dental, Inc., DHA, Kenny’s Ace Hardware, and Dunn Company.