Governors State Celebrates Juneteenth at Sculpture Park on June 19
theNate recently ranked best in nation by USA TODAY
(UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill.) – Governors State University is celebrating Juneteenth, an annual commemoration marking the end of slavery, with a family friendly celebration in its Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park on Saturday, June 19, 2021 from 1 to 4 p.m.
From its Galveston, Texas origins in 1865, the observance of Juneteenth – the day slaves learned of their freedom - the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today, African Americans celebrate their freedom and emphasize achievements and education with family and community gatherings.
At Governors State, the celebration will feature an outdoor promenade that highlights sculptures that reflect African American legacies, freedoms and achievements, including “House Divided” by Bruce Nauman, “Yes! For Lady Day” by Mark di Suvero, “Bodark Arc” by Martin Puryear, and two sculptures by Chicago’s very own Richard Hunt.
The day will also feature a drumming circle performances and those by artist and composer Ernest Dawkins and singer and guitarist Alan Franklin. Jataun Rollins, Poet and educator Jeanne Miller will perform spoken word and poetry.
Participants are welcomed to visit the GSU Visual Arts Gallery throughout the day, as well as to enjoy kids' activities outdoors, refreshments, souvenir photos, and video interviews to capture personal stories and experiences.
This is a rain or shine outdoor event and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, water, umbrella for shade, and shoes for walking on grassy paths.
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Director Jeff Stevenson said this Juneteenth celebration is timely.
"The celebration reflects theNate’s longstanding support for African Americans’ ongoing struggle for freedoms and aligns with our commitment to education by sharing important historical lessons with the next generation.
The event is the sculpture park’s first since USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice survey ranked Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park the best in the nation. Read more here. Please RSVP for the Juneteenth event at sdenault@govst.edu. The event is free, limited to 300 people and will adhere to all CDC guidelines.
Contact: Zion Banks
zbanks@govst.edu
630-842-6427