This year is the 30th anniversary of the official Juneteenth celebrations in Springfield,
although the holiday itself dates back to 1865. Locally, it has grown from a one-day event to more than a week’s worth of activities taking place citywide: live music, art exhibitions, panel discussions, presentations, kids’ activities and more. Organizations such as the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum and the Sangamon County Historical Society are also working on ways to expand educational efforts and raise awareness of Black history year-round.