The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies, in collaboration with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Juneteenth Inc., will host two events exploring the historical significance of Juneteenth and the struggle for Black citizenship in Illinois. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, marking the day when news of their freedom reached Texas on June 19, 1865.

Freeish: A discussion on Black citizenship in the Land of Lincoln

This event will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. on Friday, June 14, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield. The discussion will be led by UIS Associate Professor of Sociology/Anthropology Lesa Johnson, with a panel of experts exploring the history of Black Americans in Illinois and their fight for full American citizenship. This free program aims to illuminate the significance of the Black American experience, underscore the importance of Juneteenth celebrations, and highlight the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. No advance registration is required for this event.

“On Juneteenth” with Annette Gordon-Reed

This event will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield. Annette Gordon-Reed, a MacArthur Genius and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, will discuss her New York Times bestselling book, “On Juneteenth.” The book was named one of the best books of the year by the Washington Post, TIME and NPR. As the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize for History, Gordon-Reed’s work has been hailed as essential in understanding America’s past and its ongoing quest for racial justice. This free program requires advance registration.

Both events are part of Springfield’s 30th annual Juneteenth Celebration and represent a collaborative effort between the community, the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.