Forest Preserves of Cook County’s 12th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee
Jun 18, 2025The Bronzecomm Hub podcast hosted by Kine' Corder, interviewing guest, Jacqui Ulrich, Director of the Conservation and Experiential Programming (CEP) Department at the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Celebrating Freedom and Culture at the Forest Preserves’ Juneteenth Jubilee
Thursday - Saturday, June 19th - 21st
Main Location: Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is hosting its 12th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee from Thursday June 19th to Saturday, June 21, at Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland (as well as other locations around the Cook County) and it’s shaping up to be one of the region’s most vibrant outdoor celebrations of Black history and freedom. This event has been a community favorite for 13 years and there are new things to see and experience this year.
The free event brings together nature, culture, and community with a full weekend of activities for all ages. Guests will experience powerful storytelling by Mama Edie McLoud Armstrong, a historical presentation on the Underground Railroad in Calumet City, and a “ring shout” dance performance from the Mbwakawen Harambee Collective.
Visitors can also participate in a drum circle and explore the reptile and amphibian room inside the nature center. These are just the events at Sandy Ridge. There are other events like boat rides and cycling happening throughout Cook County.
A special feature of the day includes genealogy support from the Afro-American Genealogical & Historical Society of Chicago. Guests are encouraged to bring non-sensitive documents like funeral or wedding programs to learn how to trace their family roots.
At 1 PM, Forest Preserves President Toni Preckwinkle will lead a community cake-cutting ceremony followed by a collective singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Food and desserts will be available for purchase, and a lineup of Black-owned vendors, including Da Book Joint and Greg’s Ceramics, will be on-site selling books, jewelry, art, and more. Families can enjoy tie-dying, lawn games, face painting, and themed nature walks.
Rain or shine, indoor and outdoor, this Jubilee is a powerful reminder of our history—and a celebration of community in nature.
Learn more at fpdcc.com/juneteenth.
Register for the Nature Express Bus: https://fpdcc.com/nature/nature-express-bus/
Volunteer at the Forest Preserves: https://fpdcc.com/volunteer/
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