ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Community members are celebrating the city’s 36th annual Juneteenth event today in Sinnissippi Park. The celebration, which includes food trucks, local vendors, live music and a talent show, is the longest-running Juneteenth event of its kind in Illinois.
The tradition behind Rockford’s Juneteenth celebration began 37 years ago, according to the event founder. They expressed satisfaction that the event has continued and grown with community support, including from local leaders and businesses.
Tommy Meeks founder of Rockford Juneteenth said ” When me and my wife first started it 37 years ago hardly anybody knew anything about juneteenth and i just feel so good that we’ve been able to keep this going and the whole community the county chairman the mayor some top businesses UW Health, hard rock casino, all these people just stepped up and helped us make this event an important date.”…