By rssfeeds-admin 
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — People from around the Rockford area gathered at Sinnissipi Park to celebrate Juneteenth at Sinnissipi Park on Thursday.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved African Americans in Confederate states were freed by the Union Army.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Rockford’s Juneteenth Celebration, the oldest known celebration of its kind in Illinois.
Rockford’s Juneteenth Celebration Chairman explained that he hopes the holiday can unite people.
“Juneteenth is American history. It’s not just for black people. It’s a part of what happened in our country,” said Tommy Meeks. “We are human beings, and we all are part of humanity. We gotta just start treating each other that way. I think Juneteenth is a type of holiday that could make people come together.”
For Activist and local artist Brian Harrington, professionally known as King Moosa, the holiday means celebrating success.
“We just want to celebrate prosperity [and] still rise,” said Harrington. “It’s just amazing.”
The celebration included food vendors, retail vendors, local performances, a celebration of history, a Community Awards Ceremony, a karaoke contest, and a talent show hosted by Harlan Jefferson of Live at Levings.
Hard Rock Casino Rockford also celebrated the holiday by bringing funk band Lakeside, known for hits like “Fantastic Voyage” and “It’s All the Way Live,” to perform at the casino free of charge to the public.
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