Juneteenth Parade & Community Picnic
Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m., starts at Longfellow Park
Oak Park’s celebration of African-American independence will start at Longfellow Park near Jackson Boulevard and continue north on Ridgeland Avenue to Augusta Street. The Oak Park Book Parade and library staff will march along with other community groups. The parade will end with a community picnic throughout the afternoon at Taylor Park (400 Division St.).
Pride Month Display
Through June 15, Oak Park Main Library Idea Box
This special display features Pride flags and book recommendations that celebrate LGBTQ+ history. There will also be a virtual trivia game. Learn more at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Celebrating Black Futures: Performance, Art & Conversation
Thursday, June 16, 7-8:30 p.m., Main Library Veterans Room and virtually through Oak Park Public Library
Visual artist Tia Etu, rapper F.U.R.Y., fine art photographer Tye Moores, and rapper Jsteezzy share live performance, art, and intergenerational conversation in celebration of Black futures and Juneteenth. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Berwyn Juneteenth Fest
Saturday, June 18, Proska Park
Berwyn’s second annual free cultural event centered on Black history & culture. This year’s theme is “Food Crosses Many Rivers: High on the Hog.” The event will showcase food forests and the cooking traditions of African and American cuisine, demonstrated by local vendors.
Babygold Presents: Brisket Class With Chefs John & Steve
Saturday, June 18, 12:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s
John Manion & Steve Domanik, both master chefs from Babygold, will show you how to trim, rub, smoke and slice Berwyn-style brisket. A three-course meal will be served, along with a can of Babygold Coldbeer, and live jazz on the outdoor patio. $99, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.
Illinois Libraries Present: An Evening With Kwame Onwuachi
Wednesday, June 22, 7-8 p.m., virtually through Illinois
Libraries Present
Kwame Onwuachi’s first cookbook, My America: Recipes From a Young Black Chef, celebrates the cuisine of the African diaspora, “the world’s wisest food.” He’ll share the importance of the connections between cuisine, place, and culture. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries—including Oak Park Public Library—offering high-quality events. Register now at https://bit.ly/June22_KwameOnwuachi.
Artist Reception for Tia Etu
Saturday, June 18, 1-3 p.m., Oak Park Main Library Idea Box
Oak Park artist Tia Etu will unveil a Juneteenth-inspired painting commissioned for the library’s permanent art collection. The exhibit will include a range of other artwork by Etu and be on display for the rest of the month. Etu’s art captures social inequities in powerful and unique ways. Learn more at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.