FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
Bloomington-Normal Juneteenth Celebration Returns to Miller Park on June 20
Free Community Celebration to Feature Music, Culture, Community Awards, Food Trucks and Family Activities
BLOOMINGTON, IL — The Bloomington-Normal Juneteenth Celebration will return to Miller Park on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, bringing together residents from across the region for a free day of music, culture, history and family-friendly community engagement.
Presented by the Bloomington-Normal Black History Project with sponsorship support from the City of Bloomington, this year’s celebration embraces the theme “We Are Family,” highlighting freedom, unity, culture and community connection across generations while continuing a longstanding Bloomington-Normal Juneteenth tradition.
The celebration will feature live entertainment, cultural performances, food trucks, local vendors, youth activities, community recognition, line dancing, a health fair, a mobile health clinic and more throughout the day at Miller Park in Bloomington.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, culture and community,” said organizer Tony Jones. “We want families to come together, reconnect and create lasting memories while honoring the history, traditions and contributions that continue to shape our community today.”
Live Entertainment and Cultural Programming
This year’s entertainment lineup includes performances and appearances by local and regional artists, musicians and community organizations, including:
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V8 Vast Change
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Dr. Ama Oforiwaa Aduonum — ethnomusicologist, storyteller, musician and cultural performer
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Soul Rebels for Christ
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Lorraine’s Line Dancing, LLC
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Mt. Pisgah Sunbeam Choir led by Shirley Boykin
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DJ Cliff G & DJ Tone during the Black Music Month Tribute Party finale
The event will also celebrate Black Music Month, recognizing the lasting influence of Black music, culture and artistic expression across generations.
One of the celebration’s special historical connections includes the return of the Mt. Pisgah Sunbeam Choir. A 1995 Pantagraph article documented the choir’s participation in a Bloomington Juneteenth celebration under the leadership of Shirley Boykin, making this year’s appearance especially meaningful as part of the event’s continuing community legacy.
Community Icon Awards
The Bloomington-Normal Juneteenth Celebration will also present its 2026 Community Icon Awards, honoring individuals whose leadership, advocacy and service have positively impacted the Bloomington-Normal community.
This Year’s Honorees Include:
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Emily Bell
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Evelyn Young
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Monica Taylor (posthumous recognition)
The awards recognize enduring community impact, leadership and legacy.
Miss Juneteenth and Miss Black Bloomington
The celebration will feature the official introduction of participants connected to the inaugural Miss Juneteenth Bloomington-Normal Pageant, presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Beta Iota Zeta Chapter of Bloomington-Normal.
The pageant will take place on Saturday, June 13 at 3:00 PM at Capen Auditorium at Illinois State University and is free and open to the public.
Attendees at the Juneteenth Celebration will also have an opportunity to meet Miss Black Bloomington 2026 during a special community meet-and-greet appearance connected to the Miss Black Illinois Pageant organization.
Family Activities, Food and Community Engagement
Designed as a multi-generational community celebration, the event will feature activities and attractions for all ages, including:
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Food trucks and local vendors
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Bounce houses and youth activities
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Community organizations and resources
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Cultural showcases
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Health fair programming
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Mobile health clinic services and wellness resources
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Community awards and presentations
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Free zoo entry
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Free putt-putt golf
Attendees will also have opportunities to participate in community line dancing activities led by Lorraine’s Line Dancing, LLC, including:
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Line dance instruction inside the Miller Park pavilion at 2:00 PM
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An on-stage line dance demonstration at 3:30 PM
Featured Food Vendors Include:
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Toog’s Lemonade Stand
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Balco Funnel Cakes
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J’Soul Grilled Hoagie King
Volunteer Opportunities Available
Organizers are encouraging volunteers to assist before, during and after the event with setup, operations and teardown support.
Community members interested in volunteering can sign up online through the event website.
The full entertainment schedule, volunteer sign-up information and event updates are available online at:
Media Contact
Tony Jones
Bloomington-Normal Juneteenth Celebration
Email: tjones@careerlink16.com
Phone: 309-242-4049