Juneteenth celebration in Rockford to feature Lakeside funk band

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford will commemorate “Liberation Day” for African Americans who were enslaved in the United States with the city’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, on Thursday, June 16th.

The event will be held at Sinnissippi Park, starting at 1 p.m.

The celebration will include food vendors, retail vendors, local performances, stories and a celebration of history, a Community Awards Ceremony, karaoke contest, and a talent show hosted by Harlan Jefferson of Live at Levings.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford has partnered with the city to bring funk band Lakeside, known for hits like “Fantastic Voyage” and “It’s All the Way Live,” to perform at the casino at 8:30 p.m. Free tickets can be picked up at the Hard Rock Casino box office or at the Juneteenth Rockford Celebration.

“We are so excited that through the support and partnership of our premier sponsor, Hard Rock Casino Rockford, we are able to bring a high-caliber performance by Lakeside on a day of celebration—Juneteenth, Freedom Day,” says Tommy Meeks, leader of Juneteenth Rockford. “Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and determination of the black community and our allies. It honors our shared history and inspires us all to continue creating belonging. We invite everyone of all backgrounds to join in on this community celebration.”

According to a press release, “Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved African Americans in Confederate states were freed by the Union Army—six months before the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Rockford’s Juneteenth Celebration, the oldest known celebration of its kind in Illinois.”