Pathways Toward Peace and the Coonley Antiracism Group will be coming together on Saturday, June 18 from 11:00am - 2:00pm in the courtyard of St. Benedict Parish to celebrate Juneteenth and Freedom. Juneteenth is the name given to the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This will be the first event, held in our community, celebrating Juneteenth .

The event, open to the community, will feature entertainment, food and a marketplace with vendors selling products and services. Highlighting Black-owned businesses and providing activities for all ages, this family event is sure to be a fun afternoon for the whole family. Alderman Matt Martin, along with State Rep Ann Williams and Congressman Mike Quigley are expected to be in attendance to welcome everyone.

Some of the highlights of the event will be:

Hair Braiding, Jesse White Tumblers, Mae’s Q House Food Truck, The THUG Hippie, Gigi Tonye Arts and Fitness, Step Classes, Double Dutch and much more.

About Pathways Toward Peace

Based at St. Benedict’s Parish, this organization is committed to having those complicated conversations about race and educating the community. Coming together in a safe place and having honest, open discussions about our own relationship with race and racism is at the core of the mission.

About the Coonley Antiracism Group (CAG)

This group, established in 2020 by parents at Coonley Elementary School in Northcenter, provides resources and creates programs that raise the awareness of others. It develops partnerships and events that foster inclusivity and shift power dynamics by elevating frequently marginalized voices within our community and other communities. CAG ensures our school and community, in partnership with the administration and faculty, upholds antiracist policies for our students and families. Visit www.https://coonleyantiracismgroup.weebly.com for more information.