Honor Juneteenth in the Loop

3 MIN READ -- Juneteenth has long been celebrated by Black Americans across the country, including in Chicago. Officially declared a national holiday in 2021, the day marks the date when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. Chicago is built on the innovation and legacy of many Black people including Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable, Ida B. Wells, Gwendolyn Brooks, Harold Washington and many more. Commemorate the longest-running Black holiday in the Loop.

Shop A black Chicago Creators Market

Vol. 39, the Kimpton Gray Hotel's second-floor lobby cocktail bar and lounge in the Financial District, will host a Juneteenth Black Chicago Creators Market following the success of their Black History Month pop-up event. On Saturday, June 15 from 2-6 p.m., discover local Black creators around the city with the following vendors:

SOUNDOFF | Lifestyle essentials inspired by the spirit of authentic expression. Embrace premium lifestyle wear and graphics that "sound off" on what is important – social consciousness and responsibility, artistic and self-expression, inclusivity and style distinction.
ReformedSchool | Embodying a mission of using fashion to both educate and ignite discussions about history and social justice, all while maintaining a sense of style. Pieces serve as a tribute to the rich history and vibrant culture of the Black and LatinX communities.
The Stylish Bundt | Self-taught baker André dips dough balls in butter and coats with herbs and cheese to create the perfect ring of rolls. Their soft and airy texture makes them ideal for pasta, salads or by itself as a snack.
Red Elephant Candle Company | There's nothing like a candle to make your home more complete. Embark on a journey of self-discovery within the four walls of your home with a collection of wellness home accessories.
Stoviink Creatives | A Black and woman-owned brand collective offering various handcrafted and artisanal products – from cranberry sauce to candles, home and body products, floral perfumes and much more.
Studio by Morgan | A universe of freedom and experimentation by way of fine jewelry. The signature motif of MRI scans represents growth and expansion, encouraging wearers to feel empowered to embrace their visions knowing that impossibility is merely a concept meant to be challenged.
October Lotus | A holistic healing company offering reiki and herbal remedies for womb wellness.
Dandy Kingzman | Custom hat and chapeau maker.

Shop while sipping Vol. 39's limited-time Cocktails for a Cause, where the bar crafts exclusive cocktails and donates a portion of the proceeds to a nonprofit organization. Options include:

Bacongate (Bacon-Washed Uncle Nearest Bourbon, Maple, Bitters) | $2 from each cocktail sold will be donated to Uncle Nearest HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge, raising money to provide one full tuition scholarship to every accredited Historically Black College & University (HBCU) nationwide.
Shared Assets (Hendrick's Gin, Mastika, Accompani Flora Green Liqueur, Lemon, Simple Syrup) | $1 from each cocktail sold will be donated to Howard Brown Health, which provides healthcare services to the local LGBTQ+ community.

Celebrate black writers and artists

Browse American Writers Museum's online exhibition Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice and honor the significant contributions of Black writers to American literature and history. Explore and better understand racial injustice in America by examining the work of Black American writers from the end of the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring original artwork, augmented reality and other interactive elements that enliven and enrich the experience, Dark Testament brings the work of writers past and present to life in new and exciting ways.

Enjoy a free documentary Screening
Head over to the Gene Siskel Film Center on Wednesday, June 19 at 3:30 p.m. for a free screening of documentary The Right to Read. The film's focus is based on Oakland-based NAACP activist Kareem Weaver's passion for literacy and children receiving better reading instruction. RSVP for the free screening here.

Snap a pic on State Street

For the second year in a row, Chicago Loop Alliance has adorned the iconic State Street with flags to commemorate Juneteenth. The flags will be on display all of June, so while you're shopping on State, be sure to stop and admire the flags, and maybe even snap a pic or two!

VIEW WORKS BY AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS WITH THE ART INSTITUTE

The Art Institute of Chicago has a wealth of African American art; reserve your tickets online now. Or virtually explore over 800 works by African American artists in the Art Institute of Chicago’s wide-ranging collection—from their world-renowned icons to lesser-known gems from every corner of the globe. You'll also find books, writings, reference materials, and other resources.

SHOP BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES

We must also honor the Black movers and shakers of today. One way to do this is by shopping at Black-owned businesses like Kilwin's Chocolates or Luxe Barber & Shave Lounge. In 2021, the City of Chicago launched a website for its Black Shop Friday initiative to encourage Black Friday shoppers to hit up Black-owned stores. This website is a great resource for finding Black-owned businesses in any Chicago neighborhood, including Everyone’s Neighborhood—The Loop any day of the year. Learn more. Supporting Black businesses is not limited to products and goods. Black-owned services are also prevalent in the Loop and beyond. Consider contracting Educo, a Black- and women-owned digital design firm for your next website or digital report. Have film and videography needs? INDIRAP is a go-to video production company for some of the top organizations in Chicago and across the country. Achieve your philanthropic goals alongside black-led organizations such as Circle Foundation, which facilitates innovative educational experiences, inspirational leadership development, insightful guidance opportunities and dutiful support services programming. Looking to invest? Invest with DL3 Realty and uplift commercial projects that improve urban communities.